Image printing order receiving system and image printing order receiving method

ABSTRACT

In a print order receiving system, a first output receiving server receives an order to print all captured image data obtained by imaging apparatus, an image storing server stores the captured image data, a first print-out apparatus prints out the initial printed matter, and the first print-out apparatus supplies the initial printed matter to a shipping terminal. An order receiving server receives a reorder of the printed matter from a user terminal, a charging and settlement server performs the charging and settlement of the printed matter, the first print-out apparatus prints the image data to generate later printed matter when a reorder is received, and the first print-out apparatus supplies the later printed matter to the shipping terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 10/398,105, filedon Jul. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,509 B2 Patented on Nov. 9,2004, filed as 371 of international application No. PCT/JP01/09158,filed on Oct. 18, 2001.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a print order receiving system and amethod for receiving an order for image printing, both being forreceiving an order for the service of supplying the printed matter of animage obtained by imaging. In particular, the present invention relatesto a print order receiving system and a method for receiving an orderfor image printing, both performing the reception of an order through anetwork.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, a system capable of supplying a service from the imaging of anobject to the printing of a result of the imaging at the same place,like, for example, a picture print supplying apparatus disclosed inJapanese Publication for Registered Utility Model No. 3014733 has becomepopular.

Moreover, in recent years, a system for imaging and printing not only astatic image but also a motion picture or a parallax image has beendeveloped. Thereby, printed matter in which a viewed image can bechanged in accordance with the changes of a viewing direction can beobtained.

As an example of the development of such business, business for making aparallax image picture as printed matter by utilizing a lenticulartechnique exists. For example, the following can be cited.

-   (1)“Torikkiri Konika 3D®” being a film with a three-eye type lens by    Konica Corporation and the printing service thereof.-   (2)“Kodak Snap Kids 3D®” being a film with a three-eye type lens by    Eastman Kodak Company and the printing service thereof.-   (3)“Motion Image Print (MIP) Card”, which was developed by    Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and synthesizes 6 sheets of    images, and a apparatus for making the card, “Ugoitaro®”.-   (4)A service by Chikyuya Co., Ltd. that receives an order of a card    to be made with the aforesaid “Ugoitaro®” through the so-called    Internet.-   (5)A sale of an amusement apparatus for business use after receiving    an order by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., which is a    vending machine of a motion picture card supplying sequence pictures    made by imaging an object as a card in which the object can be    viewed as if it moves according to angles of viewing.

Moreover, as a similar system, there is a technique for making printedmatter by utilizing a holography technique. For example, the techniquesdisclosed in the following documents can be cited as such a technique.

-   (6)Akira Shirakura, Nobuhiro Kihara and Shigeyuki Baba, “Instant    Holographic Portrait Printing System”, Proceeding of SPIE, Vol.    3293, pp. 246-253, January 1998.-   (7)Kihara, Shirokura, Baba, “High Speed Hologram Portrait Printing    System”, Three-Dimensional Image Conference 1998, July in 1998.    These documents disclose systems for supplying a service from the    imaging of an object to the printing of a result of the imaging at    the same place.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A user, who wish to use the aforesaid system or a system providing aservice including steps starting from the imaging of an object to theprinting of a result of the imaging at the same place, still have to goto a place where such system is operated for imaging and obtaining theprinted matter thereof. Furthermore, in such systems, there is no meansfor obtaining additional copy of printed matter in the future.

For such reasons, the user may feel inconvenience to use the system, andthe other convenient features provided by the systems may not appeal tothe user anymore.

However, in order to increase the sales volume of such systems, it isnecessary to increase the number of business operation sites. Moreover,there is also the following problem. When the number of operation sitesin the systems has been increased more, the initial cost to be investedto start the business increases further. Accordingly, it may take alonger period of time to collect cost of the systems if the number ofusers per a unit period are not enough and if the operation efficiencyof the systems is not kept in a higher level. Since the system forprinting a motion picture and a parallax image is at their developingstages, the cost of the apparatus in the system is very high and thenecessity of evading the aforesaid problems is very important.

The present invention was made under consideration of above-citedconditions. It is desired to provide a system for receiving an order ofprinting an image and a method for receiving an order of printing animage, both being capable of providing both of a user and an businessoperator with superior facilities, which enable the user to reorderprinted matter based on the imaging data previously obtained and enablethe business operator to increase the operation efficiency of thesystem.

A print order receiving system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention comprises: a plurality of imaging apparatus for imaging anobject; a first order receiving apparatus connected with the pluralimaging apparatus through a first network, the first order receivingapparatus receiving an order of a print output at captured image dataobtained through the imaging of the object, the imaging being performedby each of the plural imaging apparatus; an image storing apparatusconnected with the plural imaging apparatus through the first network,the image storing apparatus storing image data including the capturedimage data supplied from each of the plural imaging apparatus throughthe first network; a first print out apparatus connected with the pluralimaging apparatus through the first network, the first print outapparatus printing the image data including at least the captured imagedata supplied from the image storing apparatus through the first networkto output initial printed matter; and a shipping terminal connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through the first network, the shippingterminal executing shipping processing of the initial printed matter incorrespondence with each captured image data.

When this print order receiving system according to the embodiment ofthe invention receives an order of the print output of the image dataincluding at least the captured image data obtained by the pluralimaging apparatus with the first order receiving apparatus, the systemstores the captured image data in the image storing apparatus throughthe first network; the system then prints the image data including atleast the captured image data with the first print out apparatus togenerate the initial printed matter; and then the system ships theinitial printed matter to deliver the initial printed matter to a user.

Moreover, a method for receiving an order for image printing accordingto an embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of: imagingobjects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; receiving an order of aprint output by a first order receiving apparatus, connected with theplural imaging apparatus through a first network, at captured image dataobtained by the imaging of the object, the imaging being performed byeach of the plural imaging apparatus; storing image data including thecaptured image data supplied from each of the plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network by an image storing apparatus connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through the first network; printing theimage data including at least the captured image data supplied from theimage storing apparatus through the first network to output initialprinted matter by a first print out apparatus connected with the pluralimaging apparatus through the first network; and shipping the initialprinted matter in correspondence with the captured image data by ashipping terminal connected with the plural imaging apparatus throughthe first network.

When this method for receiving an order for image printing according tothe embodiment of the invention receives an order of the print output ofthe image data including at least the captured image data obtained bythe plural imaging apparatus with the first order receiving apparatus,in the method, the captured image data is stored in the image storingapparatus through the first network; then the image data including atleast the captured image data is printed by the first print outapparatus to generate the initial printed matter; and then the initialprinted matter is shipped to deliver the initial printed matter to auser.

Moreover, a print order receiving system according to an embodiment ofthe invention comprises: a plurality of imaging apparatus for imaging anobject; a second order receiving apparatus connected with the pluralimaging apparatus through a first network, the second order receivingapparatus being supplied with captured image data obtained by imaging ofthe object by each of the plural imaging apparatus from each of theplural imaging apparatus through the first network, the second orderreceiving apparatus receiving an order of a print output of each of thecaptured image data, the second order receiving apparatus temporarilystores the captured image data at each order; an image storing apparatusconnected with the second order receiving apparatus through a secondnetwork that is different from the first network, the image storingapparatus storing image data including the captured image data suppliedfrom the second order receiving apparatus through the second network; afirst order receiving apparatus connected with the second orderreceiving apparatus through the second network, the first orderreceiving apparatus receiving an order of the print output at capturedimage data temporarily stored in the second order receiving apparatus; afirst print out apparatus connected with the second order receivingapparatus through the second network, the first print out apparatusprinting the image data including at least the captured image datasupplied from the image storing apparatus through the second network tooutput initial printed matter; and a shipping terminal connected withthe second order receiving apparatus through the second network, theshipping terminal executing shipping processing of the initial printedmatter in correspondence with each captured image data.

When this print order receiving system according to the embodiment ofthe invention receives an order of the print output of the image dataincluding at least the captured image data obtained by the pluralimaging apparatus with the second order receiving apparatus, the systemstores the captured image data in the image storing apparatus throughthe second network; the system then prints the image data including atleast the captured image data with the first print out apparatus togenerate the initial printed matter after the system receives the orderfinally with the first order receiving apparatus; and then the systemships the initial printed matter to deliver the initial printed matterto a user.

Moreover, a method for receiving an order for image printing accordingto an embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of: imagingobjects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; supplying captured imagedata from each of the plural imaging apparatus to a second orderreceiving apparatus through a first network, the captured image datahaving been obtained by imaging of the object by each of the pluralimaging apparatus, the second order receiving apparatus being connectedwith the plural imaging apparatus through the first network; receivingan order of a print output by the second order receiving apparatus atevery captured image data; storing the captured image data temporarilyat every order by the second order receiving apparatus; storing imagedata including the captured image data supplied from the second orderreceiving apparatus through a second network different from the firstnetwork by an image storing apparatus connected with the second orderreceiving apparatus through the second network; receiving an order ofthe print output at each of the captured image data temporarily storedin the second order receiving apparatus by a first order receivingapparatus connected with the second order receiving apparatus throughthe second network; printing the image data including at least thecaptured image data supplied from the image storing apparatus throughthe second network to output initial printed matter by a first print outapparatus connected with the second order receiving apparatus throughthe second network; and shipping the initial printed matter incorrespondence with each of the captured image data by a shippingterminal connected with the second order receiving apparatus through thesecond network.

When this method for receiving an order for image printing according tothe embodiment of the invention receives an order of the print output ofthe image data including at least the captured image data obtained bythe plural imaging apparatus with the second order receiving apparatus,in the method, the captured image data is stored in the image storingapparatus through the second network; then the image data including atleast the captured image data is printed by the first print outapparatus to generate the initial printed matter after the order isfinally received with the first order receiving apparatus; and then theinitial printed matter is shipped to deliver to a user.

Moreover, a print order receiving system according to an embodiment ofthe invention comprises: a plurality of imaging apparatus for imaging anobject; a first order receiving apparatus connected with the pluralimaging apparatus through a first network, the first order receivingapparatus receiving an order of a print output at captured image dataobtained by imaging of the object, the imaging being performed by eachof the plural imaging apparatus; an: image storing apparatus connectedwith the plural imaging apparatus through the first network, the imagestoring apparatus storing image data including the captured image datasupplied from each of the plural imaging apparatus through the firstnetwork; and a first print out apparatus connected with the pluralimaging apparatus through the first network, the first print outapparatus printing the captured image data supplied from the imagingapparatus through the first network and the image data supplied from theimage storing apparatus through the first network to output initialprinted matter.

When this print order receiving system according to the embodiment ofthe invention receives an order of the print output of the image dataincluding at least the captured image data obtained by the pluralimaging apparatus with the first order receiving apparatus, the systemstores the captured image data in the image storing apparatus throughthe first network; the system then prints the captured image datasupplied from the imaging apparatus and the image data supplied from theimage storing apparatus with the first print out apparatus to generatethe initial printed matter; and then the initial printed matter isdelivered to a user on the spot.

Moreover, a method for receiving an order for image printing accordingto an embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of: imagingobjects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; receiving an order of aprint output by a first order receiving apparatus, connected with theplural imaging apparatus through a first network, at captured image dataobtained by imaging of the object, the imaging being performed by eachof the plural imaging apparatus; storing image data including thecaptured image data supplied from each of the plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network by an image storing apparatus connected withthe plural imaging apparatus through the first network; and printing thecaptured image data supplied from the imaging apparatus through thefirst network and the image data supplied from the image storingapparatus through the first network to output initial printed matter bya first print out apparatus connected with the plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network.

When this method for receiving an order for image printing according tothe embodiment of the invention receives an order of the print output ofthe image data including at least the captured image data obtained bythe plural imaging apparatus with the first order receiving apparatus,in the method, the captured image data is stored in the image storingapparatus through the first network; then the captured image datasupplied from the imaging apparatus and the image data supplied from theimage storing apparatus are printed by the first print out apparatus togenerate the initial printed matter; and then the initial printed matteris delivered to a user on the spot.

Moreover, a print order receiving system according to an embodiment ofthe invention comprises: a plurality of imaging apparatus for imaging anobject; a second order receiving apparatus connected with the pluralimaging apparatus through a first network, the second order receivingapparatus being supplied with captured image data obtained by imaging ofthe object by the plural imaging apparatus from each of the pluralimaging apparatus through the first network, the second order receivingapparatus receiving an order of a print output of each of the capturedimage data, the second order receiving apparatus temporarily stores thecaptured image data at each order; an image storing apparatus connectedwith the second order receiving apparatus through a second network thatis different from the first network, the image storing apparatus storingimage data including the captured image data supplied from the secondorder receiving apparatus through the second network; a first orderreceiving apparatus connected with the second order receiving apparatusthrough the second network, the first order receiving apparatusreceiving an order of the print output at every captured image datatemporarily stored in the second order receiving apparatus; and a firstprint out apparatus connected with the plural imaging apparatus throughthe second network, the first print out apparatus printing the capturedimage data supplied from the imaging apparatus through the secondnetwork and the image data supplied from the image storing apparatusthrough the second network to output initial printed matter.

This print order receiving system according to the embodiment of theinvention prints the captured image data obtained by the plural imagingapparatus and the image data supplied from the image storing apparatusto generate the initial printed matter with first print out apparatus,and the system delivers the initial printed matter to a user on thespot. When the system receives an order of the print output of the imagedata including at least the captured image data with the second orderreceiving apparatus, the system stores the image data including thecaptured image data in the image storing apparatus through the secondnetwork, and the system finally receives the order with the first orderreceiving apparatus.

Moreover, a method for receiving an order for image printing accordingto an embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of: imagingobjects by a plurality of imaging apparatus; printing captured imagedata supplied from the imaging apparatus through a first network and theimage data supplied from the image storing apparatus through the firstnetwork to output initial printed matter by a first print out apparatusconnected with the plural imaging apparatus through the first network;supplying captured image data from each of the plural imaging apparatusthrough the first network, the captured image data having been obtainedby imaging of the object by each of the plural imaging apparatus;receiving an order of a print output by a second order receivingapparatus at every captured image data, the second order receivingapparatus being connected with the plural imaging apparatus through asecond network that is different from the first network; storing thecaptured image data temporarily at every order by the second orderreceiving apparatus; storing image data including the captured imagedata supplied from the second order receiving apparatus through thefirst network by an image storing apparatus connected with the secondorder receiving apparatus through the first network; and receiving anorder of the print output at each of the captured image data temporarilystored in the second order receiving apparatus by a first orderreceiving apparatus connected with the second order receiving apparatusthrough the first network.

In this method for receiving an order for image printing according tothe embodiment of the invention, the captured image data obtained by theplural imaging apparatus and the image data supplied from the imagestoring apparatus are printed to generate the initial printed matterwith first print out apparatus, and the initial printed matter isdelivered to a user on the spot. Further in the method, when an order ofthe print output of the image data including at least the captured imagedata is received by the second order receiving apparatus, the image dataincluding the captured image data is stored in the image storingapparatus through the second network, and the order is finally receivedby the first order receiving apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following description ofthe presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a print orderreceiving system as a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning imaging, which information is stored in imaging databasesincluded in imaging apparatus equipped in the print order receivingsystem;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning order receiving, which information is stored in a receivingdatabase included in a first order receiving server equipped in theprint order receiving system;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning image data, which information is stored in an image databaseincluded in an image storing server equipped in the print orderreceiving system;

FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning charging and settlement, which information is stored in acharging database included in a charging & settlement server equipped inthe print order receiving system;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning the receiving of an order, which information is stored in anorder database included in the first order receiving server equipped inthe print order receiving system;

FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating information handed over betweeneach apparatus in the print order receiving system;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating the processof ordering a print output of an image by imaging with the imagingapparatus;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating a connectionand user inquiry process and a reception and received contentconfirmation process in the processes of reordering later printed matteron the basis of captured image data later;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating a paymentconfirmation and order receiving process and a printing and shippingprocess in the processes of reordering later printed matter on the basisof captured image data later;

FIG. 11 is a bock diagram illustrating the configuration of a printorder receiving system as a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for illustrating various kinds of informationconcerning order receiving, which information is stored in an orderdatabase included in a second order receiving server equipped in theprint order receiving system;

FIG. 13 is a diagram for illustrating information handed over betweeneach apparatus in the print order receiving system;

FIG. 14 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating the processof ordering a print output of an image by imaging with the imagingapparatus;

FIG. 15 is a bock diagram illustrating the configuration of a printorder receiving system as a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram for illustrating information handed over betweeneach apparatus in the print order receiving system;

FIG. 17 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating the processof ordering a print output of an image by imaging with the imagingapparatus;

FIG. 18 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating a connectionand user inquiry process and a reception and received contentconfirmation process in the processes of reordering later printed matteron the basis of captured image data later;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating a paymentconfirmation and order receiving process and a printing and shippingprocess in the processes of reordering later printed matter on the basisof captured image data later;

FIG. 20 is a bock diagram illustrating the configuration of a printorder receiving system as a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram for illustrating information handed over betweeneach apparatus in the print order receiving system; and

FIG. 22 is a diagram for illustrating a series of the processingprocesses in the print order receiving system, illustrating the processof ordering a print output of an image by imaging with the imagingapparatus.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, detailed embodiments, to which the present invention isapplied, are described in detail by reference to the attached drawings.

The embodiments concern a print order receiving system receiving orderthrough a network when a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional image orpicture (hereinafter referred to as image) including a static image, amotion picture and/or a parallax image, all being obtained by imaging,is supplied as printed matter. The print order receiving system suppliesa service through the a network, and a user can accordingly reorder theprinted matter obtained by imaging before, and further an businessoperator can accordingly increase the operation efficiency of thesystem.

At first, a first embodiment of the present invention is described asfollows. A print order receiving system, as shown in FIG. 1, includes animaging apparatus 10 for imaging at least an object, an output receivingserver 20 as a first order receiving apparatus for receiving an order ofa print output of an image, an image storing server 30 for storing theimage, a print out apparatus 40 for printing the image to output printedmatter, a shipping terminal 50 for executing shipping processing of theprinted matter, an image processing server 60 for performing variouskinds of processing of the image, a charging & settlement server 70 forperforming the charging and the settlement of ordered printed matter, anorder receiving server 80 as a second order receiving apparatus forreceiving at least a reorder of the image, and a user terminal 90 ownedby a user.

The output receiving server 20, the image storing server 30, the printout apparatus 40 and the shipping terminal 50 among those apparatusconstitute the so-called backyard. The image processing server 60, thecharging & settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80constitute a server group as the so-called storefront in correspondencewith a user. Moreover, a network connecting the user terminal 90, theimage processing server 60, the charging & settlement server 70 and theorder receiving server 80 with each other is a public network such asthe Internet. A network connecting the imaging apparatus 10, the outputreceiving server 20, the image storing server 30, the print outapparatus 40, the shipping terminal 50, the image processing server 60,and the order receiving server 80 with each other is a networkconfigured between business operators such as the so-called intranet orthe like. In other words, in the print order receiving system, theimaging apparatus 10 are disposed at a plurality of places through thenetwork, and a plurality of the user terminals 90 are connected to thenetwork connecting the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80 with each other.

The imaging apparatus 10 includes an imaging section 11 for imaging atleast an object, an image computer 12 for performing the wholeprocessing at event of imaging, the generation of various kinds of data,and the like, an imaging database 13 for storing various kinds ofinformation concerning the imaging as a database, and an receipt-issuing14 for issuing a receipt for certifying the contents of an order whenthe print output of the image is ordered.

The imaging section 11 is composed of, for example, a charge coupleddevice (CCD) camera, a necessary optical system and the like, and theimaging section 11 images the object and a background and the like asoccasion demands under the control of the image computer 12. Capturedimage data obtained by the imaging of the imaging section 11 aresupplied to the image computer 12.

The image computer 12 performs the control of the imaging section 11 atthe event of imaging, and receives captured image data obtained by theimaging of the imaging section 11 to supply the captured image data tothe image storing server 30. Moreover, the image computer 12 generatesvarious kinds of information concerning imaging, the informationindicating the contents of the imaging, at every imaging. The imagecomputer 12 supplies the information to the imaging database 13 and theoutput receiving server 20 as order data. Moreover, the image computer12 controls the receipt-issuing 14 to make it issue a receipt.

The imaging database 13 includes a large capacity storage medium such asa hard disc drive, and the image computer 12 stores various kinds ofinformation concerning imaging, the information concerning the imaginggenerated by the image computer 12, as a database.

The various kinds of information concerning the imaging to be stored inthe imaging database 13 are composed of, for example, as shown in FIG.2, “Image number (Order Number)” indicating the identification numberspecific to each imaging (order), “Password” for certifying theeligibility of right of access to captured image data, “Imaging Date(Order Date)”, “Order Output Type” indicating the type of an orderingimage, “Order Size” and “Order Quantity” indicating the size and thequantity of the ordering image, respectively, “Addressee's Name” and“Addressee's Address” indicating the address of the image as the printedmatter, “Captured Image Data” indicating the image data corresponding tothe “Imaging Number”, and “Foreground Image Data” and “Background ImageData” indicating the image data for being synthesized with the capturedimage data as a foreground and a background, respectively.

As for “Image number (Order Number)”, each imaging (order) is given itspeculiar identification number such as “JPCAM001” and “JPCAM002”.“Password” is composed of a character string made by the randomcollection of, e.g. alphabet characters and numerals, and each imaging(order) is given its peculiar information such as “468ace02” and“97531fdb” as its password. “Imaging Date (Order Date)” indicates thedate when each imaging (order) is given in an information form of, e.g.its year/month/date/time. “Order Output Type” indicates the type of anordering image such as “color” or “monochrome”. “Order Size” indicatesthe size of the ordering image by the information such as “LargePrinting (L)” and “Small Printing (S)”. “Order Quantity” indicates thenumber of sheets of the ordering image. “Addressee's Name” indicates thename corresponding to the addressee of the ordered image, and the nameis, e.g. the full name of each user. “Addressee's Address” indicateseach address corresponding to the addressee of each ordered image, andthe address is, e.g. the address of each user. “Captured Image Data” arelink information to the captured image data itself obtained by theimaging by the imaging section 11, and the “Captured Image Data”indicate the type of the image such as a “static image” or a “motionpicture” as the need arises. “Foreground Image Data” indicates theidentification number of image data to be synthesized with the capturedimage data obtained by the imaging by the imaging section 11 as aforeground, and a number peculiar to the image data such as “JPFR001” isgiven as the “Foreground Image Data”. “Background Image Data” indicatesthe identification number of image data to be synthesized with thecaptured image data obtained by the imaging by the imaging section 11 asa background, and a number peculiar to the image data such as “JPBK002”and “JPBK001” are given as the “Background Image Data”.

The imaging database 13 stores such information to be generatedcorresponding to a plurality of events of imaging as a database. Variouskinds of information are read from the imaging database 13 by the imagecomputer 12 as the need arises.

The receipt-issuing 14 issues at least the aforesaid “Image number(Order Number)” and “Password” as a receipt under the control of theimage computer 12. In other words, the receipt has the enteredinformation for the certification of the contents of an order. A userreorders of printed matter on the basis of the information entered inthe receipt. In addition, in the print order receiving system, a receiptmay be delivered to a user on the spot by being printed and issued bythe receipt-issuing 14. The receipt can also be delivered to the user bythe transmission of the receipt to the user terminal 90 through thenetwork by the use of the so-called mail function. In the latter case,by the input of the address of the user terminal 90 where the user wantsto transmit the receipt with a not shown operating section, the imagingapparatus 10 transmits the receipt issued by the receipt-issuing 14 tothe user terminal 90 designated by the address through a predeterminedprovider under the control of the image computer 12 as mail.

This imaging apparatus 10 are only ones to which a user goes to thesituated places and faces them among various kinds of apparatus that thebusiness operator has established. The user performs imaging at a nearbyimaging apparatus 10. By the payment of a rental fee in, for example,coins by the user, the imaging apparatus 10 images at least an object,and the imaging apparatus 10 generates the information concerning theimaging together with captured image data.

The output receiving server 20 includes a receiving computer 21 forperforming the whole processing concerning the order receiving of aprint output of an image, the generation of various kinds of data, andthe like, and a receiving database 22 for storing the various kinds ofinformation concerning order receiving as a database.

The receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds of informationconcerning the order receiving on the basis of the aforesaid order datasupplied from the imaging apparatus 10 to supply the generatedinformation to the receiving database 22. Moreover, the receivingcomputer 21 generates the information to be needed for re-receiving theorder of the print output of the image as the preparation for a user'sreorder of the printed matter of the image corresponding to the orderdata later, and the receiving computer 21 supplies the generatedinformation to the order receiving server 80 as reorder receivinginquiry data. Moreover, the receiving computer 21 generates a printinstruction control signal for instructing the printing of an image. Thereceiving computer 21 supplies the print instruction control signal tothe print out apparatus 40 and further the receiving computer 21supplies an image requirement control signal indicating the requirementof image data to be printed to the image storing server 30. Furthermore,at the event of the re-receiving of an order, the receiving computer 21receives re-receiving data from the order receiving server 80 togenerate the various kinds of information concerning order receiving onthe basis of the re-receiving data. Then the receiving computer 21supplies the generated information to the receiving database 22.

The receiving database 22 includes a large capacity storage medium suchas a hard disk drive, and stores the various kinds of information thatconcern order receiving and were generated by the receiving computer 21as a database.

The various kinds of information that concern order receiving and are tobe stored in the receiving database 22 were generated by the receivingcomputer 21 on the basis of the aforesaid order data supplied from theimaging apparatus 10. The various kinds of information are composed of,for example, as shown in the upper two lines of FIG. 3, the elements of“Image number (Order Number)”, “Password”, “Imaging Date (Order Date)”,“Order Output Type”, “Order Size”, “Order Quantity”, “Addressee's Name”,“Addressee's Address”, “Captured Image Data”, “Foreground Image Data”and “Background Image Data” like the aforesaid various kinds ofinformation concerning imaging. The information concerning imaging isused as it is as the information except for “Captured Image Data” amongthese various kinds of information. Moreover, as to “Captured ImageData”, “Image number (Order Number)” is given as the link information tothe corresponding captured image data.

Moreover, there are some kinds of information generated by the receivingcomputer 21 on the basis of the aforesaid re-receiving data suppliedfrom the order receiving server 80. Those kinds of information, forexample, are shown in the lower two lined of FIG. 3. Among these variouskinds of information, the information the “Image number (Order Number)”of which is designated by “JPNET001” indicates a reorder of a printoutput of an image made by the synthesis of the image data of “JPFR002”and “JPBK001” as the foreground image data and the background imagedata, respectively, with the captured image data that once imaged and isdesignated by “JPCAM002”. The information the “Image number (OrderNumber)” of which is designated by “JPNET002” indicates a reorder of aprint output of an image made by the synthesis of the image data of“JPFR002” and “JPBK001” as the foreground image data and the backgroundimage data, respectively, with the captured image data that once imagedand is designated by “JPCAM001”.

The receiving database 22 stores such information as generatedcorresponding to a plurality of kinds of order receiving as a database.Various kinds of information are read from the receiving database 22 bythe receiving computer 21 as the need arises.

This output receiving server 20 performs the whole processing concerningthe order receiving of a print out of an image, and generates theinformation concerning each order receiving indicating the contents ofthe order receiving.

The image storing server 30 includes an image computer 31 for performingthe whole control at the event of storing image data, the generation ofvarious kinds of data and the like, and an image database 32 for storingvarious kinds of information concerning the storage of image data as adatabase.

The image computer 31 receives the captured image data obtained by theimaging of the imaging apparatus 10 and makes the image database 32equipped with a not shown large capacity storage medium such as a harddisk drive store the received captured image data. Moreover, the imagecomputer 31 makes the image database 32 store various kinds of imagedata such as the image data generated by computer graphics (CG) besidesthe captured image data obtained by the imaging of the imaging apparatus10. In other words, the image computer 31 makes the image database 32store the foreground image and the background image besides theaforesaid captured image data. Moreover, the image computer 31 generatesvarious kinds of information concerning image data indicating thecontents of the image data corresponding to the stored image data. Theimage computer 31 supplies the generated information to the imagedatabase 32 for making the image database 32 store the suppliedinformation. Furthermore, the image computer 31 reads the image datafrom the image database 32 that were required corresponding to an imagerequirement control signal supplied from the output receiving server 20and the print out apparatus 40. The image computer 31 supplies the readimage data to the print out apparatus 40. Furthermore, the imagecomputer 31 reads the image data from the image database 32 which wererequired corresponding to the image requirement control signal suppliedfrom the image processing server 60. The image computer 31 supplies theread image data to the image processing server 60.

The image database 32 includes a large capacity storage medium such as ahard disk drive. The image database 32 stores various kinds of imagedata under the control of the image computer 31, and stores variouskinds of information that concern image data and are generated by theimage computer 31 as a database.

The various kinds of information that concern the image data and arestored in the image database 32 are, for example, as shown in FIG. 4,composed of the elements of “Image Number (Imaging or Order Number)”indicating the identification number peculiar to each imaging (order),“Password” for certifying the eligibility of right of access to capturedimage data, “Registered Date (Imaging or Order Date)” indicating thedata when the image data were stored, and “Image Data” indicating theimage data corresponding to “Image Number (Imaging or Order Number)”.

As for “Image number (Imaging or Order Number)”, each image data isgiven its peculiar identification number such as “JPFR001”, “JPBK001”,“JPBK002”, “JPCAM001” and “JPCAM002”. Now, the image data designated by“JPFR001” and “JPFR002” are each stored in the image computer 31 as theforeground image data as mentioned above. The image data designated by“JPBK001” and “JPBK002” are severally stored in the image computer 31 asthe background image data as mentioned above. Moreover, the image datadesignated by “JPCAM001” and “JPCAM002” are severally stored as thecaptured image data obtained by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 10as mentioned above. “Password” is composed of a character string made bythe random collection of, e.g. alphabet characters and numerals, andeach captured image data is given its peculiar information. It isneedless to say that “Password” to the captured image data obtained bythe imaging of the imaging apparatus 10 is the same one in the variouskinds of information concerning the aforesaid imaging. “Registered Date(Imaging or Order Date)” indicates the date when the imaging data wereregistered in the image computer 31 or the data when the imaging (order)was performed. “Image Data” are link information to the stored imagedata, and the “Image Data” indicate the type of the image such as a“static image” or a “motion picture” as the need arises.

The image database 32 stores such information generated corresponding toa plurality of image data as a database. Various kinds of informationare read from the image database 32 by the image computer 31 as the needarises.

This image storing server 30 stores various kinds of image data, andgenerates the information concerning image data.

The print out apparatus 40 includes an output computer 41 for performingthe whole processing at the event of outputting printed matter, and aprinter 42 for discharging the printed matter.

When a printing instruction control signal instructing the printing ofan image is supplied to the output computer 41 from the output receivingserver 20, the output computer 41 supplies an image requirement controlsignal indicating the requirement of the image data to be printed to theimage storing server 30, and the output computer 41 makes the printer 42print the image data read in response to the image requirement controlsignal. When the printing ends, the output computer 41 supplies a printending control signal indicating the ending of the printing of an imagetogether with the generated printed matter to the shipping terminal 50.

The printer 42 prints an image under the control of the output computer41 to discharge it as printed matter to the outside. The printed matteris supplied to the shipping terminal 50 by the output computer 41 asmentioned above.

This print out apparatus 40 prints the designated image, and generatesprinted matter as a final shipping object.

The shipping terminal 50 includes a shipping computer 51 for executingthe whole control at the event of the shipment of printed matter.

When a print ending control signal indicating the end of the printing ofan image is supplied to the shipping computer 51 from the print outapparatus 40, the shipping computer 51 performs various kinds ofprocessing for the preparation for shipment. To put it specifically, theshipping computer 51 generates the information concerning the addressee,printed matter and the like for shipping the designated printed matterto the correct addressee. When the preparation for the shipping iscompleted, the printed matter is shipped. As the form of the shipment,for example, a transportation trust to a transport company or the like,a mailing trust and the like can be considered. The shipping computer 51generates shipping information indicating the shipping of the printedmatter, and records the information in, for example, a hard disk driveor the like, or displays the information on a display.

This shipping terminal 50 performs various kinds of processing such asthe generation of various kinds of information necessary for theshipping of printed matter to a user being a right addressee.

The image processing server 60 includes a processing computer 61 forperforming image processing.

When a preview display instruction control signal for instructing thenot shown display of the user terminal 90 to display an image issupplied to the processing computer 61 from the order receiving server80, the processing computer 61 supplies an image requirement controlsignal indicating the requirement of the image data to be displayed tothe image storing server 30. Then, the processing computer 61 processesthe image data that were read in response to the image requirementcontrol signal as the need arises, and the processing computer 61supplies the read image data to the user terminal 90 as a preview imageto make the displaying the preview image. The processing computer 61performs as its image processing such as the processing for synthesizingcaptured image data and desired foreground image data and/or desiredbackground image data.

This image processing server 60 processes image data to generate apreview image for displaying an image similar to the printed matter.

The charging & settlement server 70 includes a charging computer 71 forperforming the whole processing for charging and settlement and thegeneration of various kinds of data, and a charging database 72 forstoring various kinds of information concerning charging and settlementas a database.

When a charging instruction control signal for instructing charging issupplied to the charging computer 71 from the order receiving server 80,the charging computer 71 requires payment information, which is theinformation concerning a payment method necessary for the payment ofcharge, of the user terminal 90. Then, when the charging computer 71receives the payment information from the user terminal 90 as reorderdata, the charging computer 71 executes its charging processing. Andthen, the charging computer 71 supplies a payment completion controlsignal indicating the completion of payment to the user terminal 90.Moreover, the charging computer 71 supplies a charging completioncontrol signal indicating the completion of the charging processing tothe order receiving server 80. The charging computer 71 generatesvarious kinds of information concerning the charging and the settlement,both indicating the contents of charging processing on the basis of thereorder data at the event of the processing to make the chargingdatabase 72 store the information.

The charging database 72 includes a large capacity storage medium suchas a hard disk drive. The various kinds of information that concerncharging and settlement and are generated by the charging computer 71are stored in the charging database 72 as a database.

The various kinds of information that concern charging and settlementand are to be stored in the charging database 72 are, for example, asshown in FIG. 5, composed of “Charging Number” indicating theidentification number peculiar to each request of a charge, “ChargingDate” indicating the date of the commencement of charging processing,“Charged Amount (Ordered Price)”, “Payment Method”, “FinancialInstitution Name”, “Credit Card Number & Account Number” and “SettlementStatus”.

The identification number peculiar to each request of a charge such as“JPPAY800” and “JPPAY801” is given as “Charging Number”. “Charging Date”indicates the data of the commencement of charging processing. “ChargedAmount (Ordered Price)” indicates the charge of the ordered printedmatter. “Payment Method” indicates the method of the payment of eachcharge such as the payment of the charge from a bank account. In thecolumns of “Payment Method”, for example, the information of “CreditCard” is recorded when a user hopes the payment with a credit card, andthe information of “Bank Account” is recorded when a user hopes thepayment from a bank account. “Financial Institution Name” indicates thename of a financial institution corresponding to each payment method. Inthe columns of “Financial Institution Name”, for example, the name of acredit card company is recorded when a user hopes the payment with acredit card, and the name of a bank is recorded when a user hopes thepayment from the user's banking account. “Credit Card Number & AccountNumber” indicates each credit card number corresponding to each paymentmethod. In the columns of “Credit Card Number & Account Number”, forexample, the credit card number of a user is recorded when the userhopes the payment with the credit card, and the cash card number of abank of a user is recorded when the user hopes the payment from the bankaccount. “Settlement Status” indicates each progressing status ofcharging processing such as “Payment Pending” and “Payment Received”.

The charging database 72 stores such information generated correspondingto a plurality of status of charging processing as a database. Variouskinds of information are read from the charging database 72 by thecharging computer 71 as the need arises.

This charging & settlement server 70 carries the whole processingconcerning charging and settlement, and generates information concerningcharging and settlement.

The order receiving server 80 includes an order computer 81 forperforming the whole processing at the event of receiving an orderincluding a reorder for an image and the generation of various kinds ofdata, and an order database 82 for storing various kinds of informationconcerning the reception of orders of images as a database.

The order computer 81 generates various kinds of information, whichconcern the receiving of an order including a reorder and indicate thecontents of the order, on the basis of the reorder receiving inquirydata for the preparation for a case in which a user reorders theaforesaid print matter of the image corresponding to the order data whenthe reorder receiving inquiry data generated by the output receivingserver 20 is supplied. Then, the order computer 81 supplies theinformation to the order database 82.

And then, the order computer 81 makes a not shown display of the userterminal 90 display a predetermined initial screen for reordering when aconnection is required by the user terminal 90. When various kinds ofinformation indicating reordered contents are supplied to the ordercomputer 81 from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the ordercomputer 81 performs various kinds of processing concerning reorderingon the basis of the reorder data. To put it specifically, the ordercomputer 81 performs user inquiry using the aforesaid reorder receivinginquiry data when a requirement of a reorder is transmitted from theuser terminal 90. When the user is an eligible person as a result of theinquiring, the order computer 81 makes the displaying of a predeterminedmenu screen for reordering on the display screen of the user terminal90. According to a selection operation of the user terminal 90 with themenu screen, the order computer 81 supplies a preview displayinstruction control signal for making the display of the user terminal90 display a preview image to the image processing server 60. Then, whena confirmation control signal indicating an order after the confirmationof the preview image is supplied to the order computer 81 from the userterminal 90, the order computer 81 makes the display of the userterminal 90 display a predetermined payment method screen concerning thepayment of a charge. In response to a selection operation of the userterminal 90 with the payment method screen, the order computer 81supplies the aforesaid charging instruction control signal Instructingcharging to the charging & settlement server 70. Moreover, when theaforesaid charging completion control signal indicating the completionof charging processing is supplied to the order computer 81 from thecharging & settlement server 70, the order computer 81 supplies areception completion control signal indicating the completion ofreceiving the reorder to the user terminal 90, and further the ordercomputer 81 supplies re-receiving data indicating the contents of thereorder to the output receiving server 20. The order computer 81generates the information that concerns the reorder and indicates thecontents of the reorder as the aforesaid various kinds of informationconcerning the reception of the order, and the information is suppliedto the order database 82.

The order database 82 includes a large capacity storage medium such as ahard disc drive, and the order database 82 stores various kinds ofinformation that were generated by the order computer 81 and concern thereception of an order as a database.

The various kinds of information concerning the reception of an order tobe stored in the order database 82 are composed of, for example, asshown in FIG. 6, the elements of “Order Number” indicating theidentification number peculiar to each order, “Password” for verifyingthe right to access each captured image data, “Order Date” indicatingeach ordered date, “Order Output Type” indicating the type of eachordered image, “Ordered Size”, “Ordered Quantity” and “Ordered Price”indicating the size, the quantity and the price of each ordered image,respectively, “Charging Number” numbered at every requirement of acharge as its peculiar identification number, “Addressee's Name” and“Addressee's Address”, both indicating the addressee of each image asprinted matter, “Captured Image Data” indicating the image datacorresponding to the order number, and “Foreground Image Data” and“Background image Data” to be synthesized with the captured image dataas a foreground and a background, respectively.

As for “Order Number”, each order is given its peculiar identificationnumber such as “JPCAM001”, “JPCAM002”, “JPNET001” and “JPNET002”. Now,the information the “Order Number” of which is designated by “JPCAM***”indicates that the information is an order by the imaging of the imagingapparatus 10. The information the “Order Number” of which is designatedby “JPNET***” indicates that the information is a reorder based on thecaptured image data that were once imaged. “Password” is composed of acharacter string made by the random collection of, e.g. alphabetcharacters and numerals, and each order is given its peculiarinformation. It is needless to say that that “Password” to the capturedimage data obtained by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 10 is thesame one in the various kinds of information concerning the aforesaidimaging. “Password” to the captured image data to be reordered is thesame one in the aforesaid various kinds of information concerning theorder receiving. In other words, “Password” is given to each of thecaptured imaging data obtained by the first imaging of the imagingapparatus 10. “Order Date” indicates the date when each order is issued.“Order Output Type” indicates the type of each ordered image. “OrderedSize” indicates the size of the ordered image. “Ordered Quantity”indicates the number of sheets of the ordered image, and “Ordered Price”indicates each total price designated by the unit price of each orderedmerchandise multiplied by its quantity. Each requirement for a charge isgiven its peculiar identification number as its “Charging Number”.“Addressee's Name” indicates the name corresponding to the addressee ofeach ordered image. “Addressee's Address” indicates each addresscorresponding to the addressee of each ordered image. “Captured ImageData” are link information to the ordered captured image data, andindicate the type of images such as a static image or a motion pictureas the need arises. “Foreground Image Data” indicate the identificationnumber of the image data to be synthesized with the ordered capturedimage data as a foreground. “Background Image Data” indicate theidentification number of the image data to be synthesized with theordered capture image data as a background.

The order database 82 stores such information to be generatedcorresponding to a plurality of orders including reorders as a database.Various kinds of information are read from the order database 82 by theorder computer 81 as the need arises.

This order receiving server 80 receives orders including reorders ofimages and generates the information concerning the reception of theorders.

The user terminal 90 includes a user computer 91 for the usage of auser.

The user computer 91 is a computer in possession or available to theuser's side, and such user computer 91 is an apparatus such as apersonal computer, a cellular phone, or a portable information terminalapparatus like a personal digital assistant or the like, all of themcapable of being connected with a network such as the Internet. The usercomputer 91 makes a connection request to the order receiving server 80by a predetermined provider at the event of performing the reorder of animage. When the connection is permitted, the user computer 91 downloadsthe aforesaid predetermined initial screen for reorder from the orderreceiving server 80, and displays the initial screen on the displaythereof (not shown in the figures). Moreover, when a user makes arequest of a reorder by operating the buttons or the like on the initialscreen, the user computer 91 supplies the reorder data to the orderreceiving server 80 in response to the request of the reorder data fromthe order receiving server 80. When the reorder is permitted as a resultthereof, the user computer 91 downloads the aforesaid predetermined menuscreen for reorder from the order receiving server 80, and the usercomputer 91 displays the menu screen on the display. Furthermore, theuser computer 91 downloads a preview image of the printed matter of thereordered image from the image processing server 60, and the usercomputer 91 displays the preview image on the display. When the userconfirms the preview image and performs a predetermined operation forindicating the decision of the reorder in response to the display of thepreview image, the user computer 91 supplies the aforesaid confirmationcontrol signal to the order receiving server 80. Then, the user computer91 downloads the aforesaid predetermined payment method screen from theorder receiving server 80, and displays the payment method screen on thedisplay. By the user's operation of the button or the like on thepayment method screen for the selection of a payment method, the usercomputer 91 supplies a payment method control signal indicating theselected payment method to the order receiving server 80. Furthermore,by the user's input of the predetermined payment information with a notshown operation section in response to the request of the aforesaidpayment information from the charging & settlement server 70, the usercomputer 91 supplies the payment information to the charging &settlement server 70 as the aforesaid reorder data. Then, the usercomputer 91 is supplied with the aforesaid payment completion controlsignal from the charging & settlement server 70, and is supplied withthe aforesaid reception completion control signal from the orderreceiving server 80.

This user terminal 90 works as a user interface at the event ofreordering, and the user terminal 90 is also a communication terminalenabling a user to perform the delivery of information between abusiness operator through a network.

Now, the print order receiving system composed of each apparatus likethis performs the delivery of information between each apparatus asshown in FIG. 7, and receives an order of a print output of an image. Inaddition, in FIG. 7, white arrows indicate information delivered in aprocess for ordering a print output of an image by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 10, and black arrows indicate information to bedelivered in a process for a later reorder based on a captured imagedata obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, in the following, a printedmatter shipped in the process indicated by the white arrows is called as“initial printed matter”, and a printed matter in the process indicatedby the black arrows is called as “later printed matter” as the needarises.

In the print order receiving system, the whole processing is commencedby the imaging of a user with the imaging apparatus 10 at first. Now,the user performs the imaging with the imaging apparatus 10 by paying arental fee, for example, in coins or the like. It is supposed that therental fee usually includes the charge of initial printed matter. Inother words, the user performs the imaging by paying the considerationof the initial printed matter. In the print order receiving system, theaforesaid order data OD generated by the imaging apparatus 10 aresupplied to the output receiving server 20, and the captured image dataPID obtained by the imaging with the imaging apparatus 10 are suppliedto the image storing server 30. Moreover, in the print order receivingsystem, the aforesaid receipt RC issued by the imaging apparatus 10 isdirectly delivered to the user or is delivered to the user through theuser terminal 90.

In the print order receiving system, when the order of the print outputof the captured image data PID is received in such a way, the outputreceiving server 20 generates the aforesaid reorder receiving inquirydata RROID. The reorder receiving inquiry data RROID are supplied to theorder receiving server 80. In the print order receiving system, theimage storing server 30 and the print out apparatus 40 is actuated inresponse to a print instruction from the output receiving server 20 togenerate the initial printed matter PRF. The initial printed matter PRFis shipped to the user through the shipping terminal 50.

In the print order receiving system, the delivery of information isperformed in such a way, and then the initial printed mater PRF of acaptured image data PID reaches the user.

Moreover, in the print order receiving system, the user can laterreorder the later printed matter of the image based on the capturedimage data PID, more specifically, the same printed matter as theinitial printed matter PRF or similar printed matter made by the changeof the foreground and/or the background other than the object of theinitial printed matter PRF.

In this case, in the print order receiving system, processing iscommenced by the accessing of a user to the order receiving server 80with the user terminal 90 at first. In the print order receiving system,a user transmits reorder data ROD to the order receiving server 80 withthe user terminal 90. In other words, in the print order receivingsystem, by the user's generation of the reorder data ROD on the basis ofthe aforesaid information entered in the receipt RC, the captured imagedata PID being a basis of the reordered image is specified. And then, itis certified that the user is an eligible person of the right ofaccessing the captured image data PID on the basis of the aforesaidreorder receiving inquiry data RROJD, more specifically on the basis ofthe aforesaid various kinds of information that concern the receiving ofan order including the reorder and is generated on the basis of thereorder receiving inquiry data RROID.

In the print order receiving system, when the later printed matter ofthe image data based on the captured image data PID is ordered in such away, the image processing server 60 reads the captured image data PID,foreground image data and/or background image data, all being designatedby the image storing server 30, and the predetermined image processingis performed to the read image data. The image data obtained as a resultof the processing are downloaded to the user terminal 90 as a previewimage, and are displayed on the display of the user terminal 90. In theprint order receiving system, when a user confirms a preview image, thepayment information as the aforesaid reorder data ROD is deliveredbetween the user terminal 90 and the charging & settlement server 70,and thereby the charging processing is performed. In the print orderreceiving system, the order receiving server 80 generates re-receivingdata RROD corresponding to the charging processing. By the supply of there-receiving data RROD to the output receiving server 20, the order ofthe later printed matter is re-received. Then, in the print orderreceiving system, the image storing server 30 and the print outapparatus 40 operate to generate the later printed matter PRL inresponse to a print instruction from the output receiving server 20. Thelater printed matter PRL is shipped to the user through the shippingterminal 50.

In the print order receiving system, the delivery of information isperformed in such a way, and then the later printed matter PRL of theimage data based on the captured image data PID reaches the user.

In more concrete terms, the print order receiving system receives anorder of a print output of a captured image data PID and receives areorder of a print output of image data based on the captured image dataPID by performing a series of processing as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10.In addition, in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, the contents of the processing ofeach apparatus in the print order receiving system are shown, and thetiming of the delivery of information between each apparatus is alsoshown. Moreover, in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, as mentioned above, white arrowsindicate information delivered in a process for ordering a print outputof an image by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 10, and black arrowsindicate information to be delivered in a process for a later reorderbased on a captured image data obtained by previous imaging. Moreover,the user terminal 90 in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 may designate an actual useroneself.

At first, the processes of ordering a print output of an image byimaging with the imaging apparatus 10 in the print order receivingsystem are performed through a series of processing as shown in FIG. 8.

In other words, in the print order receiving system, when a user pays afee against the imaging apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 8, at step S1,the imaging apparatus 10 performs the imaging of an object. At thisevent, in the print order receiving system, order data OD are generatedby the imaging apparatus 10 to be supplied to the output receivingserver 20. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, captured imagedata PID are supplied from the imaging apparatus 10 lo the image storingserver 30. With this, in the print order receiving system, at step S2,the order data OD are stored by the output receiving server 20.Moreover, in the print order receiving system, at step S3, the imagestoring server 30 stores the captured image data PID.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S4, the imagingapparatus 10 issues a receipt RC. The user or the user terminal 90, atstep S5, receives the receipt RC.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S6, the outputreceiving server 20 generates reorder receiving inquiry data RROID tosupply the generated reorder receiving inquiry data RROID to the orderreceiving server 80. With this, in the print order receiving system, atstep S7, the order receiving server 80 stores the reorder receivinginquiry data RROID.

In succession, in the print order receiving system, at step S8, theoutput receiving server 20 generates a print instruction control signalC1 for instructing the print of an image to supply the print instructioncontrol signal C1 to the print out apparatus 40. Moreover, in the printorder receiving system, image requirement control signals C2 and C3indicating the requirement of image data to be printed are supplied fromthe output receiving server 20 and the print out apparatus 40,respectively, to the image storing server 30. With this, in the printorder receiving system, the image data PRID to be printed correspondingto the image requirement control signals C2 and C3 are read from theimage storing server 30 to be supplied to the print out apparatus 40.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S9, the print outapparatus 40 performs the printing processing of image data PRID, and atstep S10, the post processing of the printing is performed as the needarises. As the post processing of the printing, predetermined heatingprocessing to a hologram is considerable in a case in which the printedmatter is made by the use of, fore example, holography techniques.Moreover, the post processing of the printing also includes theprocessing such as the cutting of printed matter into a predeterminedsize and the affixing of printed matter on a predetermined mount.

Then, in the print order receiving system, the print out apparatus 40supplies a print ending control signal C4 indicating the ending of theprint of the image together with the generated initial printed matterPRF to the shipping terminal 50. With this, in the print order receivingsystem, at step S11, the shipping terminal 50 performs predeterminedshipping processing to ship the initial printed matter PRF to a user.The user receives the shipped initial printed matter PRF at step S12,and the series of processing is terminated.

As described above, in the print order receiving system, a user canreceive an initial printed matter PRF of captured image data PIDobtained by imaging with the imaging apparatus 10.

On the other hand, in the print order receiving system, the process forreordering later printed matter PRL later on the basis of a capturedimage data PID is performed through a series of processing as shown inFIG. 9 and FIG. 10. The process is roughly divided into four processes,i.e. a connection & user inquiry process, a reception and receivedcontent confirmation process, a payment confirmation and order receivingprocess, and a printing and shipping process.

At first, in the print order receiving system, as shown in FIG. 9, theconnection & user inquiry process is performed. In the print orderreceiving system, at step S21, the user terminal 90 performs accessprocessing to the order receiving server 80. The access processing isfor example the following processing. In other words, a user starts theso-called browse software for browsing the so-called Web site, andinputs a uniform resource locator (URL) indicating the Web site forperforming a reorder with a not shown operating section to try theestablishment of communication between the user terminal 90 and theorder receiving server 80 through a predetermined provider. In the printorder receiving system, a connection requirement control signal C21 forrequiring connection is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the orderreceiving server 80 in response to the access processing. Thereby, inthe print order receiving system, when the connection is permitted, theaforesaid predetermined initial screen IV for reorder is downloaded fromthe order receiving server 80 to the user terminal 90 to be displayed onthe display of the user terminal 90 (not shown in the figures).

Next, in the print order receiving system, the user requests a reorderby operating a selection button on an initial screen IV with anoperation section. In the print order receiving system, the userterminal 90 supplies a reorder request control signal C22 for therequest of a reorder to the order receiving server 80 in response to therequest. As a result, in the print order receiving system, the orderreceiving server 80 supplies a request control signal C23 for requestingthe upload of reorder data ROD of the user terminal 90. In the printorder receiving system, at step S22, the reorder data ROD is generatedby user's input of predetermined information with the operation sectionafter the user's confirmation of the contents of the receipt RC inresponse to the request. In the print order receiving system, thereorder data ROD is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the orderreceiving server 80.

Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S23, the orderreceiving server 80 inquires the user by inspecting the conformitybetween the reorder receiving inquiry data RROID and the reorder dataROD.

Next, in the print order receiving system, when the eligibility of auser is certified and the user's reorder is permitted, the reception andreceived content confirmation process is performed. In the print orderreceiving system, the aforesaid predetermined menu screen MV for areorder is downloaded from the order receiving server 80 to the userterminal 90 to be displayed on the display of the user terminal 90. Inthe print order receiving system, a user issues a reorder by selectingdesired image data to reorder in the menu displayed on the menu screenMV by operating a selection button for selecting the image data with theoperating section. At that time, the user can select desired foregroundimage data and/or desired background image data besides captured imagedata PID. In the print order receiving system, in response to the user'sselection operation, an image data selection control signal C24indicating the selected image data is supplied from the user terminal 90to the order receiving server 80. Thereby, in the print order receivingsystem, at step S24, reception contents such as the selected image dataand an ordered quantity are confirmed by the order receiving server 80.

In succession, in the print order receiving system, a preview displayinstruction control signal C25 for making the display of the userterminal 90 display a preview image on the basis of the selected imagedata is supplied from the order receiving server 80 to the imageprocessing server 60. Thereby, in the print order receiving system, atstep S25, the image processing server 60 performs the predeterminedpreparation processing for performing the display of a preview image tothe user terminal 90. Then, in the print order receiving system, animage requirement control signal C26 indicating the requirement for theimage data to be displayed as preview display is supplied from the imageprocessing server 60 to the image storing server 30.

Next, in the print order receiving system, image data PVID are read fromthe image storing server 30 in response to the image requirement controlsignal C26 to be supplied to the image processing server 60. Inaddition, the image data PVID do not include only the captured imagedata PID but include also the foreground image data and/or thebackground image data. In the print order receiving system, at step S26,the image processing server 60 performs the predetermined imageprocessing of the image data PVID, i.e. the processing such assynthesizing the captured image data PID with the foreground image dataand/or the background image data, to supply the processed image dataPVID to the user terminal 90 as a preview image PVI. The preview imagePVI is displayed on the display in the user terminal 90.

Then, in the print order receiving system, when the user confirms thepreview image PVI and performs a predetermined operation indicating thedecision of the reorder of later printed matter PRL having the samecontents as the preview image PVI, the user terminal 90 supplies aconfirmation control signal C27 indicating the confirmation and theorder of the preview image PVI to the order receiving server 80. In theprint order receiving system, at step S27, the order receiving server 80confirms the final reception contents.

Next, in the print order receiving system, as shown in FIG. 10, thepayment confirmation and order receiving process is performed. In theprint order receiving system, the aforesaid predetermined payment methodscreen CV is downloaded from the order receiving server 80 to the userterminal 90 to be displayed on the display of the user terminal 90. Inthe print order receiving system, a user selects a desired paymentmethod in the menu displayed in the payment method screen CV andoperates the selection button for the selection of the payment methodwith the operation section, and thereby a payment method control signalC28 is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the order receiving server80. Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S28, the orderreceiving server 80 confirms the payment method, and a charginginstruction control signal C29 instructing charging is supplied to thecharging & settlement server 70.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S29, the charging &settlement server 70 performs predetermined preparation processing forexecuting charging processing, and the charging & settlement server 70supplies a payment information requirement signal C30 for requiring theaforesaid payment information to the user terminal 90. As a result, inthe print order receiving system, by the user's input of thepredetermined payment information with the operation section of the userterminal 90, the payment information is generated as the aforesaidreorder data ROD by the user terminal 90 to be supplied to the charging& settlement server 70. In the print order receiving system, when thereorder data ROD are supplied from the user terminal 90 to the charging& settlement server 70, at step S30, the charging & settlement server 70executes the charging processing.

Then, in the print order receiving system, a payment completion controlsignal C31 indicating the completion of the payment is supplied from thecharging & settlement server 70 to the user terminal 90, and a chargingcompletion control signal C32 indicating the completion of the chargingprocessing is supplied from the charging & settlement server 70 to theorder receiving server 80. In the print order receiving system, at stepS31, the order receiving server 80 performs the processing forcompleting the reorder receiving to supply a reception completioncontrol signal C33 indicating the completion of the reception to theuser terminal 90, and further the aforesaid re-receiving data RROD aresupplied from the order receiving server 80 to the output receivingserver 20.

In sequence, in the print order receiving system, the printing andshipping process is performed. The printing and shipping process issimilar to the aforesaid process from step S8 to S12. In other words, inthe print order receiving system, at step S32, the output receivingserver 20 generates a printing instruction control signal C34 forinstructing the printing of an image to be supplied to the print outapparatus 40. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, imagerequirement control signals C35 and C36 indicating the requirement ofthe image data to be printed are supplied from the output receivingserver 20 and the print out apparatus 40 to the image storing server 30.As a result, in the print order receiving system, image data PRID to beprinted are read from the image storing server 30 in response to theimage requirement control signals C35 and C36 to be supplied to theprint out apparatus 40.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S33, the print outapparatus 40 performs the printing processing of the image data PRID,and further, at step S34, the print out apparatus 40 performs the postprocessing of the printing similar to the aforesaid processing at stepS10 as the need arises.

Then, in the print order receiving system, the print out apparatus 40supplies a print ending control signal C37 indicating the ending of theprinting of an image together with the generated later printed matterPRL to the shipping terminal 50. As a result, in the print orderreceiving system, at step S35, the shipping terminal 50 performspredetermined shipping processing, and the later printed matter PRL isshipped to the user. The user, at step S36, receives the shipped laterprinted matter PRL, and the series of processing is terminated.

As described above, in the print order receiving system, a user canreorder and receive a later printed matter PRL of image data based oncaptured image data PID obtained by the imaging with the imagingapparatus 10.

As described above, the print order receiving system shown as a firstembodiment of the present invention intensively stores various kinds ofinformation concerning ordering together with captured image data PIDobtained by previous imaging, and supplies the stored informationtogether with the captured image data PID through a network. Thereby, auser can reorder the later printed matter PRL of the image data based onthe captured image data PID obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, theprint order receiving system enables an business operator to establishthe imaging apparatus 10 at a plurality of places and to establishvarious kinds of apparatus other than the imaging apparatus 10intensively, which enables the business operator to increase theoperation efficiency of the print out apparatus 40 and to collect theexpense of equipment in a short period.

Next, a description is given to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. The print order receiving system has a configurationbasically similar to that of the print order receiving system shown asthe first embodiment. The print order receiving system of the secondembodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in receiving notonly a reorder from a user terminal but also an order from imagingapparatus with its order receiving server. Accordingly, hereupon, eachapparatus is designated by the same reference mark as that of theembodiment 1, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

The print order receiving system is, as shown in FIG. 11, equipped withimaging apparatus 10, an output receiving server 20, an image storingserver 30, a print out apparatus 40, a shipping terminal 50, an imageprocessing server 60, a charging & settlement server 70, an orderreceiving server 80 and user terminals 90.

In the print order receiving system, a network connecting the userterminals 90 with the imaging apparatus 10, the image processing server60, the charging & settlement server 70 and the order receiving server80 is one such as the Internet. A network connecting the outputreceiving server 20, the image storing server 30, the print outapparatus 40, the shipping terminal 50, the image processing server 60and the order receiving server 80 is one such as intranet. Then, in theprint order receiving system, a plurality of imaging apparatus 10 areconnected with the network and disposed at a plurality of locations. Aplurality of user terminals 90 is connected with the network connectingthe imaging apparatus 10, the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80.

Each of the imaging apparatus 10, as mentioned above, includes animaging section 11, an image computer 12, an imaging database 13 and areceipt-issuing 14.

As mentioned above, the imaging section 11 images an object and abackground and the like as the need arises under the control of theimaging computer 12.

The image computer 12 performs the control of the imaging section 11 atthe event of imaging, and supplies captured image data obtained by theimaging of the imaging section 11 not to the image storing server 30 butto the order receiving server 80. Moreover, the image computer 12supplies the generated various kinds of information concerning imagingto the imaging database 13, and supplies the information not to theoutput receiving server 20 but to the order receiving server 80 as orderdata. Moreover, the image computer 12, as described above, controls thereceipt-issuing 14 to make it issue a receipt.

The imaging database 13, as mentioned above, stores various kinds ofinformation concerning imaging, the information being generated by theimage computer 12, as a database. The various kinds of informationconcerning the imaging to be stored in the imaging database 13 are thesame ones as shown in FIG. 2 previously.

The receipt-issuing 14, as described above, issues at least theaforesaid “Image number (Order Number)” and “Password” as a receiptunder the control of the image computer 12. It is needless to say that,in the print order receiving system, as described above, a receiptissued by the receipt-issuing 14 may be delivered to a user on the spotas printed matter, or the receipt may be delivered to the user by thetransmission of the receipt to the user terminal 90 as mail through apredetermined provider.

Each of such imaging apparatus 10 images at least an object upon user'spayment of a rental fee in, for example, coins, and the imagingapparatus 10 generates the information concerning the imaging togetherwith captured image data.

The output receiving server 20, as described above, includes a receivingcomputer 21 and a receiving database 22.

The receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds of informationconcerning order receiving on the basis of the order data supplied fromnot the imaging apparatus 10 but the order receiving server 80, and thereceiving computer 20 supplies the generated information to thereceiving database 22. Now, the receiving computer 21 does not generatethe aforesaid reorder receiving inquiry data. Moreover, the receivingcomputer 21, as described above, generates a print instruction controlsignal for instructing the printing of an image. The receiving computer21 supplies the generated print instruction control signal to the printout apparatus 40, and further the receiving computer 21 supplies animage requirement control signal indicating the requirement of imagedata to be printed to the image storing server 30. Furthermore, at theevent of the re-receiving of an order, the receiving computer 21receives re-receiving data from the order receiving server 80 togenerate the various kinds of information concerning order receiving onthe basis of the re-receiving data. Then the receiving computer 21supplies the generated information to the receiving database 22.

The receiving database 22, as described above, stores the various kindsof information that concern order receiving and were generated by thereceiving computer 21 as a database. The various kinds of informationthat concern order receiving and are to be stored in the receivingdatabase 22 are the same ones shown in FIG. 3 previously. However, thevarious kinds of information concerning order receiving were generatedby the receiving computer 21 on the basis of the order data and there-receiving data, both being supplied from the order receiving server80.

This output receiving server 20 performs the whole processing concerningthe order receiving of a print out of an image, and generates theinformation concerning each order receiving.

The image storing server 30, as described above, includes an imagecomputer 31 and an image database 32.

The image computer 31 receives the captured image data stored in theorder receiving server 80 temporarily and makes the image database 32store the received captured image data. Moreover, the image computer 31,as described above, makes the image database 32 store various kinds ofimage data besides the captured image data. Moreover, the image computer31 generates various kinds of information concerning image datacorresponding to the stored image data. The image computer 31 suppliesthe generated information to the image database 32 for making the imagedatabase 32 store the supplied information. Furthermore, the imagecomputer 31, as described above, reads the image data from the imagedatabase 32 which image data were required corresponding to an imagerequirement control signal supplied from the output receiving server 20and the print out apparatus 40. The image computer 31 supplies the readimage data to the print out apparatus 40. Furthermore, the imagecomputer 31, as described above, reads the image data from the imagedatabase 32 from which image data are required corresponding to theimage requirement control signal supplied from the image processingserver 60. The image computer 31 supplies the read image data to theimage processing server 60.

The image database 32, as described above, stores various kinds of imagedata under the control of the image computer 31, and stores variouskinds of information that concern image data and are generated by theimage computer 31 as a database. The various kinds of information thatconcern the image data and are stored in the image database 32 are thesame ones as shown in FIG. 4 previously.

This image storing server 30 stores various kinds of image data, andgenerates the information concerning image data.

The print out apparatus 40, as described above, includes an outputcomputer 41 and a printer 42.

As described above, when a printing instruction control signalinstructing the printing of an image is supplied to the output computer41 from the output receiving server 20, the output computer 41 suppliesan image requirement control signal indicating the requirement of theimage data to be printed to the image storing server 30, and the outputcomputer 41 makes the printer 42 print the image data read in responseto the image requirement control signal. When the printing ends, theoutput computer 41 supplies a print ending control signal indicating theending of the printing of the image together with the generated printedmatter to the shipping terminal 50.

The printer 42, as described above, prints an image under the control ofthe output computer 41 to discharge it as printed matter to the outside.The printed matter is supplied to the shipping terminal 50 by the outputcomputer 41.

This print out apparatus 40 prints the designated image, and generatesprinted matter as a final shipping object.

The shipping terminal 50, as described above, includes a shippingcomputer 51.

As described above, when a print ending control signal indicating theend of the printing of the image is supplied to the shipping computer 51from the print out apparatus 40, the shipping computer 51 performsvarious kinds of processing for the preparation for shipment. When thepreparation for the shipping by the shipping computer 51 is completed,the printed matter is shipped. The shipping computer 51 generatesshipping information indicating the shipping of the printed matter, andrecords the information in, for example, a hard disk drive or the like,or displays the information on a display.

This shipping terminal 50 performs various kinds of processing such asthe generation of various kinds of information necessary for theshipping of printed matter to a user being a right addressee.

The image processing server 60, as described above, includes aprocessing computer 61.

As described above, when a preview display instruction control signalfor instructing the not shown display of the user terminal 90 to displayan image is supplied to the processing computer 61 from the orderreceiving server 80, the processing computer 61 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be displayed to the image storing server 30. Then, the processingcomputer 61, as described above, processes the image data that were readin response to the image requirement control signal as the need arises,and the processing computer 61 supplies the read image data to the userterminal 90 as a preview image to make the displaying of the previewimage.

This image processing server 60 processes image data to generate apreview image for displaying an image similar to the printed matter.

The charging & settlement server 70, as described above, includes acharging computer 71 and a charging database 72.

As described above, when a charging instruction control signal forinstructing charging is supplied to the charging computer 71 from theorder receiving server 80, the charging computer 71 requires paymentinformation, which is the information concerning a payment methodnecessary for the payment of charge, of the user terminal 90. Then, whenthe charging computer 71, as described above, receives the paymentinformation from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the chargingcomputer 71 executes its charging processing. And then, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a payment completion control signal indicating thecompletion of payment to the user terminal 90. Moreover, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a charging completion control signal indicating thecompletion of the charging processing to the order receiving server 80.The charging computer 71 generates various kinds of informationconcerning the charging and the settlement at the event of theprocessing to make the charging database 72 store the information.

The charging database 72, as described above, stores various kinds ofinformation that concern charging and settlement and are generated bythe charging computer 71 as a database. The various kinds of informationto be stored in the charging database 71 are the same as ones shown inFIG. 5 previously.

This charging & settlement server 70 carries the whole processingconcerning charging and settlement, and generates information concerningcharging and settlement.

The order receiving server 80, as described above, includes an ordercomputer 81 and an order database 82.

When order data generated by the imaging apparatus 10 are supplied tothe order computer 81, the order computer 81 makes the order database 82store the order data and generates various kinds of informationconcerning the receiving of an order on the basis of the order data.Then, the order computer 81 supplies the information to the orderdatabase 82. Moreover, when the captured image data are supplied fromthe imaging apparatus 10 to the order computer 81, the order computer 81supplies the captured image data to the order database 82 to make theorder database 82 store the captured image data temporarily. And then,the order computer 81 supplies the stored captured image data to theimage storing server 30. Furthermore, the order computer 81 suppliesorder receiving data indicating the contents of the order to the outputreceiving server 20 on the basis of the order data.

Then, when a connection requirement is issued from the user terminal 90to the order computer 81, the order computer 81 performs the sameprocessing as one described above. In other words, the order computer 81makes a not shown display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined initial screen for reordering. When various kinds ofinformation indicating reordered contents are supplied to the ordercomputer 81 from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the ordercomputer 81 performs various kinds of processing concerning reorderingon the basis of the reorder data. To put it specifically, the ordercomputer 81 performs user inquiry by inspecting the conformity betweenthe order data and the reorder data when a requirement of a reorder istransmitted from the user terminal 90. When the user is an eligibleperson as a result of the inquiring, the order computer 81 makes thedisplaying of a predetermined menu screen for reordering on the displayscreen of the user terminal 90. According to a selection operation ofthe user terminal 90 with the menu screen, the order computer 81supplies the aforesaid preview display instruction control signal formaking the display of the user terminal 90 display a preview image tothe image processing server 60. Then, when a confirmation control signalindicating an order after the confirmation of the preview image issupplied to the order computer 81 from the user terminal 90, the ordercomputer 81 makes the display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined payment method screen concerning the payment of a charge.In response to a selection operation of the user terminal 90 with thepayment method screen, the order computer 81 supplies the aforesaidcharging instruction control signal instructing charging to the charging& settlement server 70. Moreover, when the aforesaid charging completioncontrol signal indicating the completion of charging processing issupplied to the order computer 81 from the charging & settlement server70, the order computer 81 supplies a reception completion control signalindicating the completion of the reception of the reorder to the userterminal 90, and further the order computer 81 supplies the aforesaidre-receiving data indicating the contents of the reorder to the outputreceiving server 20. The order computer 81 generates the informationconcerning the reorder as the aforesaid various kinds of informationconcerning the reception of the order, and the information is suppliedto the order database 82.

The order database 82, as described above, temporarily stores thecaptured image data and stores various kinds of information that weregenerated by the order computer 81 and concern the reception of an orderas a database under the control of the order computer 81.

The various kinds of information concerning the reception of an order tobe stored in the order database 82 are composed of, for example, asshown in FIG. 12, the elements similar to those shown in FIG. 6previously. However, the system of the present embodiment also receivesan order from the imaging apparatus 10, the ordered prices of capturedimage data themselves, the captured image data being obtained by theimaging of the imaging apparatus 10, are further added.

This order receiving server 80 receives orders including reorders ofimages and generates the information concerning the reception of theorders.

The user terminal 90, as described above, includes a user computer 91.

The user computer 91 performs the procedures such as the display of apreview image or payment by performing the processing similar to theaforesaid one through a predetermined provider at the event ofperforming a reorder of an image.

This user terminal 90 works as a user interface at the event ofreordering, and the user terminal 90 is also a communication terminalenabling a user to perform the delivery of information to a businessoperator through a network.

Now, the print order receiving system composed of each apparatus likethis performs the delivery of information between each apparatus asshown in FIG. 13, and receives an order of a print output of an image.In addition, in FIG. 13, white arrows indicate information delivered ina process for ordering a print output of an image by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 10, and black arrows indicate information to bedelivered in a process for a later reorder based on a captured imagedata obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, in the following, a printedmatter shipped in the process indicated by the white arrows is called as“initial printed matter”, and a printed matter in the process indicatedby the black arrows is called as “later printed matter” as the needarises.

In the print order receiving system, when a user first performs theimaging with the imaging apparatus 10 by paying a rental fee, forexample, in coins or the like, the aforesaid order data OD generated bythe imaging apparatus 10 and the captured image data PID obtained by theimaging with the imaging apparatus 10 are together supplied to the orderreceiving server 80. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, theaforesaid receipt RC issued by the imaging apparatus 10 is directlydelivered to the user or is delivered to the user through the userterminal 90.

In the print order receiving system, when the order of the print outputof the captured image data PID is received in such a way, the capturedimage data PID stored in the order receiving server 80 temporarily aresupplied to the image storing server 30. Moreover, in the print orderreceiving system, the order receiving server 80 generates the aforesaidordered data RODD, and the ordered data Rodd are supplied to the outputreceiving server 20. Then, in the print order receiving system, theimage storing server 30 and the print out apparatus 40 is actuated inresponse to a print instruction from the output receiving server 20 togenerate the initial printed matter PRF. The initial printed matter PRFis shipped to the user through the shipping terminal 50.

In the print order receiving system, the delivery of information isperformed in such a way, and then the initial printed mater PRF of thecaptured image data PID reaches the user.

Moreover, in the print order receiving system, when a reorder of laterprinted matter of image data based on the captured image data PID isperformed, a user accesses the order receiving server 80 with the userterminal 90 at first. Then, the user transmits reorder data ROD to theorder receiving server 80 with the user terminal 90.

In the print order receiving system, when the later printed matter ofthe image data based on the captured image data PID is ordered in such away, the image processing server 60 reads the captured image data PID,foreground image data and/or background image data, all being designatedby the image storing server 30, and predetermined image processing isperformed to the read image data. The image data obtained as a result ofthe processing are downloaded to the user terminal 90 as a previewimage, and are displayed on the display of the user terminal 90. In theprint order receiving system, when a user confirms a preview image, thepayment information as the aforesaid reorder data ROD is deliveredbetween the user terminal 90 and the charging & settlement server 70,and thereby the charging processing is performed. In the print orderreceiving system, the order receiving server 80 generates the aforesaidre-receiving data RROD corresponding to the charging processing. By thesupply of the re-receiving data RROD to the output receiving server 20,the order of the later printed matter is re-received. Then, in the printorder receiving system, the image storing server 30 and the print outapparatus 40 operate to generate the later printed matter PRL inresponse to a print instruction from the output receiving server 20. Thelater printed matter PRL is shipped to the user through the shippingterminal 50.

In the print order receiving system, the delivery of information isperformed in such a way, and then the later printed matter PRL of theimage data based on the captured image data PID reaches the user.

In more concrete terms, the print order receiving system receives anorder of a print output of a captured image data PID by performing aseries of processing as shown in FIG. 14, and the system receives areorder of a print output of image data based on the captured image dataPID by performing the processing similar to that shown in FIG. 9 andFIG. 10 previously. In addition, in FIG. 14, too, the contents of theprocessing of each apparatus in the print order receiving system areshown, and the timing of the delivery of information between eachapparatus is also shown. Moreover, the user terminal 90 in FIG. 14 maydesignate an actual user oneself.

In other words, as the process of ordering a print output of an image byimaging with the imaging apparatus 10 in the print order receivingsystem, for example, when a user pays a fee against the imagingapparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 14, at step S41, the imaging apparatus 10performs the imaging of an object. At this stage, in the print orderreceiving system, order data OD are generated by the imaging apparatus10 to be supplied to the order receiving server 80. Moreover, in theprint order receiving system, captured image data PID are supplied fromthe imaging apparatus 10 to the order receiving server 80. With this, inthe print order receiving system, at step S42, the order data OD arestored by the order receiving server 80. Moreover, at step S43, theorder receiving server 80 stores the captured image data PIDtemporarily.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S44, the imagingapparatus 10 issues a receipt RC. The user or the user terminal 90, atstep S45, receives the receipt RC.

Next, in the print order receiving system, the order receiving server 80supplies the captured image data PID to the image storing server 30. Asa result, in the print order receiving system, at step S46, the imagestoring server 30 stores the captured image data PID. Moreover, in theprint order receiving system, the order receiving server 80 supplies theordered data RODD to the output receiving server 20. With this, in theprint order receiving system, at step S47, the output receiving server20 stores the ordered data ROID.

In succession, in the print order receiving system, at step S48, theoutput receiving server 20 generates a print instruction control signalC41 for instructing the print of an image to supply the printinstruction control signal C41 to the print out apparatus 40. Moreover,in the print order receiving system, image requirement control signalsC42 and C43 indicating the requirement of image data to be printed aresupplied from the output receiving server 20 and the print out apparatus40, respectively, to the image storing server 30. With this, in theprint order receiving system, the image data PRID to be printedcorresponding to the image requirement control signals C2 and C3 areread from the image storing server 30 to be supplied to the print outapparatus 40.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S49, the print outapparatus 40 performs the printing processing of image data PRID, and atstep S50, the post processing of the printing similar to the processingat the aforesaid step S10 is performed as the need arises.

Then, in the print order receiving system, the print out apparatus 40supplies a print ending control signal C44 indicating the ending of theprinting of the image together with the generated initial printed matterPRF to the shipping terminal 50. With this, in the print order receivingsystem, at step S51, the shipping terminal 50 performs predeterminedshipping processing to ship the initial printed matter PRF to a user.The user receives the shipped initial printed matter PRF at step S52,and the series of processing is terminated.

As described above, in the print order receiving system, a user canreceive an initial printed matter PRF of captured image data PIDobtained by imaging with the imaging apparatus 10. In addition, in theprint order receiving system, the process for reordering later printedmatter PRL later on the basis of a captured image data PID is performedthrough a series of processing as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10previously.

As described above, the print order receiving system shown as the secondembodiment of the present invention, similarly to the print orderreceiving system shown as the first embodiment, intensively storesvarious kinds of information concerning ordering together with capturedimage data PID obtained by previous imaging, and supplies the storedinformation together with the captured image data PID through a network.Thereby, a user can reorder the later printed matter PRL of the imagedata based on the captured image data PID obtained by previous imaging.Moreover, the print order receiving system enables an business operatorto establish the imaging apparatus 10 at a plurality of places and toestablish various kinds of apparatus other than the imaging apparatus 10intensively, which enables the business operator to increase theoperation efficiency of the print out apparatus 40 and to collect theexpense of equipment in short period. In particular, the print orderreceiving system intensively receives a first order and a reorder withthe order receiving server 80, and thereby the system can deal with boththe first order and the reorder by generating similar databases.Consequently, the simplification of processing can be attained.

Next, a description is given to a third embodiment of the presentinvention. The print order receiving system has a configurationbasically similar to that of the print order receiving system shown asthe first embodiment. The print order receiving system of the thirdembodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in deliveringprinted matter of captured image data obtained by imaging with imagingapparatus to a user on the spot. Accordingly, hereupon, each apparatusis designated by the same reference mark as that of the firstembodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

The print order receiving system is, as shown in FIG. 15, equipped withimaging apparatus 100 for imaging at least an object severally, firstprint out apparatus 110 and a second print out apparatus 120, bothprinting an image to output printed matter, besides an output receivingserver 20, an image storing server 30, a shipping terminal 50, an imageprocessing server 60, a charging & settlement server 70, an orderreceiving server 80 and user terminals 90.

In the print order receiving system, a network connecting the userterminals 90 with the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80 is one such asthe Internet. A network connecting the imaging apparatus 100, the outputreceiving server 20, the image storing server 30, the shipping terminal50, the image processing server 60, the order receiving server 80, thefirst print out apparatus 110 and the second print out apparatus 120 isone such as intranet. Then, in the print order receiving system, aplurality of imaging apparatus 100 and a plurality of first print outapparatus 110 are connected with the network and disposed at a pluralityof locations. A plurality of user terminals 90 is connected with thenetwork connecting the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80.

Each of the imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging section 101, animage computer 102, an imaging database 103 and an order memorandumissuing 104 for issuing an order memorandum as a record of the order ofa print output of an image.

Similarly to the aforesaid imaging section 11, the imaging section 101images an object and a background and the like as the need arises underthe control of the imaging computer 102. Hereupon, captured image dataobtained by the imaging of the imaging section 101 are supplied to theimage computer 102.

The image computer 102, similarly to the aforesaid image computer 12,performs the control of the imaging section 101 at the event of imaging,and supplies captured image data obtained by the imaging of the imagingsection 101 to the image storing server 30. Moreover, the image computer102 supplies the generated various kinds of information concerningimaging to the imaging database 103, and supplies the information to theoutput receiving server 20 as order data. Moreover, the image computer102 generates a print instruction control signal for instructing theprinting of an image to supply the generated print instruction controlsignal to the first print out apparatus 110. The image computer 102 alsosupplies the captured image data obtained by the imaging of the imagingsection 101 to the first print out apparatus 110. Furthermore, the imagecomputer 102 controls the order memorandum issuing 104 to make it issuean order memorandum.

The imaging database 103, similarly to the aforesaid imaging database13, stores various kinds of information concerning imaging, theinformation being generated by the image computer 102, as a database.The various kinds of information concerning the imaging to be stored inthe imaging database 103 are the same as ones shown in FIG. 2previously.

The order memorandum issuing 104 issues at least the aforesaid “Imagenumber (Order Number)” and “Password” as an order memorandum under thecontrol of the image computer 102. In other words, the order memorandumhas the contents similar to those of the aforesaid receipt. The ordermemorandum records the information for certifying the contents of anorder. A user reorders printed matter on the basis of the informationrecorded in the order memorandum. In addition, in the print orderreceiving system, similarly to the aforesaid receipt, an ordermemorandum printed and issued by the order memorandum issuing 104 may bedelivered to a user on the spot, or the order memorandum may bedelivered to the user by the transmission of the order memorandum to theuser terminal 90 through a network by the use of the so-called mailfunction. In the latter case, by the user's input of the address of auser terminal 90 intended as an addressee of the order memorandum with anot shown operating section, the order memorandum issued by the ordermemorandum issuing 104 is transmitted to the user terminal 90 designatedby the address through a predetermined provider under the control of theimage computer 102.

Each of such imaging apparatus 100 images at least an object by theuser's payment of a rental fee in, for example, coins, and the imagingapparatus 100 generates the information concerning the imaging togetherwith captured image data. The imaging apparatus 100 controls the firstprint out apparatus 110 to make the first print out apparatus 110 outputprinted matter.

The output receiving server 20, as described above, includes a receivingcomputer 21 and a receiving database 22.

The receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds of informationconcerning, order receiving on the basis of the order data supplied fromthe imaging apparatus 100, and the receiving computer 21 supplies thegenerated information to the receiving database 22. Now, the receivingcomputer 21, as described above, generates the information to benecessary for the receiving of a reorder of the print output of an imageon the basis of order data for the preparation for a user's laterreorder of the printed matter of the image corresponding to the orderdata. Then, the receiving computer 21 supplies the information to theorder receiving server 80 as reorder receiving inquiry data. Moreover,the receiving computer 21, as described above, generates a printinstruction control signal for instructing the printing of an image. Thereceiving computer 21 supplies the generated print instruction controlsignal to the second print out apparatus 120, and further the receivingcomputer 21 supplies an image requirement control signal indicating therequirement of image data to be printed to the image storing server 30.Furthermore, at the event of the reorder receiving, the receivingcomputer 21 receives re-receiving data from the order receiving server80 to generate the various kinds of information concerning orderreceiving on the basis of the re-receiving data. Then the receivingcomputer 21 supplies the generated information to the receiving database22.

The receiving database 22, as described above, stores the various kindsof information that concern order receiving and were generated by thereceiving computer 21 as a database. The various kinds of informationthat concern order receiving and are to be stored in the receivingdatabase 22 are the same ones as shown in FIG. 3 previously. However,the various kinds of information concerning order receiving weregenerated by the receiving computer 21 on the basis of the order datasupplied from the imaging apparatus 100 and the re-receiving datasupplied from the order receiving server 80.

This output receiving server 20 performs the whole processing concerningthe order receiving of a print out of an image, and generates theinformation concerning each order receiving.

The image storing server 30, as described above, includes an imagecomputer 31 and an image database 32.

The image computer 31 receives the captured image data obtained by theimaging of the imaging apparatus 100, and the image computer 31 makesthe image database 32 store the received captured image data. Moreover,the image computer 31, as described above, makes the image database 32store various kinds of image data besides the captured image data.Moreover, the image computer 31 generates various kinds of informationconcerning the stored image data corresponding to the image data. Theimage computer 31 supplies the generated information to the imagedatabase 32 for making the image database 32 store the suppliedinformation. Furthermore, the image computer 31, as described above,reads the image data from the image database 32 from which image dataare required corresponding to an image requirement control signalsupplied from the image processing server 60. The image computer 31supplies the read image data to the image processing server 60.Furthermore, the image computer 31, as described above, reads the imagedata from the image database 32 which image data were requiredcorresponding to the image requirement control signal supplied from theoutput receiving server 20 and the second print out apparatus 120. Theimage computer 31 supplies the read image data to the second print outapparatus 120.

The image database 32, as described above, stores various kinds of imagedata under the control of the image computer 31, and stores variouskinds of information that concern image data and are generated by theimage computer 31 as a database. The various kinds of information thatconcern the image data and are stored in the image database 32 are thesame ones as shown in FIG. 4 previously.

This image storing server 30 stores various kinds of image data, andgenerates the information concerning image data.

The first print out apparatus 110, similarly to the print out apparatus40, includes an output computer 111 and a print output 112.

When a printing instruction control signal instructing the printing ofan image is supplied to the output computer 111 from the imagingapparatus 100, the output computer 111 makes the print output 112 printthe image data generated by the predetermined image processing such asthe synthesis of the captured image data supplied from the imagingapparatus 100 and the desired image data supplied from the image storingserver 30.

The print output 112 prints an image under the control of the outputcomputer 111 to discharge it as printed matter to the outside. Theprinted matter is delivered to a user as it is.

This first print out apparatus 110 prints the designated image, andgenerates printed matter to deliver it to a user.

The second print out apparatus 120, similarly to the print out apparatus40, includes an output computer 121 and a print output 122.

When a printing instruction control signal instructing the printing ofan image is supplied to the output computer 121 from the outputreceiving server 20, the output computer 121 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be printed to the image storing server 30. Then, the output computer121 makes the print output 122 print the image data read correspondingto the image requirement control signal. And then, when the printingends, the output computer 121 supplies a print ending control signalindicating the end of the printing of an image to the shipping terminal50 together with generated printed matter.

The print output 122, as described above, prints an image under thecontrol of the output computer 121 to discharge it as printed matter tothe outside. The printed matter is supplied to the shipping terminal 50by the output computer 121.

This second print out apparatus 120 prints the designated image, andgenerates printed matter as final shipping goods.

The shipping terminal 50, as described above, includes a shippingcomputer 51.

When a print ending control signal indicating the end of the printing ofan image is supplied to the shipping computer 51 from the second printout apparatus 120, the shipping computer 51 performs various kinds ofprocessing for the preparation for shipment. When the preparation forthe shipping by the shipping computer 51 is completed, the printedmatter is shipped. The shipping computer 51 generates shippinginformation indicating the shipping of the printed matter, and recordsthe information in, for example, a hard disk drive or the like, ordisplays the information on a display.

This shipping terminal 50 performs various kinds of processing such asthe generation of various kinds of information necessary for theshipping of printed matter to a user being a right addressee.

The image processing server 60, as described above, includes aprocessing computer 61.

As described above, when a preview display instruction control signalfor instructing the not shown display of the user terminal 90 to displayan image is supplied to the processing computer 61 from the orderreceiving server 80, the processing computer 61 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be displayed to the image storing server 30. Then, the processingcomputer 61, as described above, processes the image data that were readin response to the image requirement control signal as the need arises,and the processing computer 61 supplies the read image data to the userterminal 90 as a preview image to make the displaying of the previewimage.

This image processing server 60 processes image data to generate apreview image for displaying an image similar to the printed matter.

The charging & settlement server 70, as described above, includes acharging computer 71 and a charging database 72.

As described above, when a charging instruction control signal forinstructing charging is supplied to the charging computer 71 from theorder receiving server 80, the charging computer 71 requires paymentinformation, which is the information concerning a payment methodnecessary for the payment of charge, of the user terminal 90. Then, whenthe charging computer 71, as described above, receives the paymentinformation from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the chargingcomputer 71 executes its charging processing. And then, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a payment completion control signal indicating thecompletion of payment to the user terminal 90. Moreover, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a charging completion control signal indicating thecompletion of the charging processing to the order receiving server 80.The charging computer 71 generates various kinds of informationconcerning the charging and the settlement at the event of theprocessing to make the charging database 72 store the information.

The charging database 72, as described above, stores the various kindsof information that concern charging and settlement and are generated bythe charging computer 71 as a database. The various kinds of informationto be stored in the charging database 71 are the same as ones shown inFIG. 5 previously.

This charging & settlement server 70 carries the whole processingconcerning charging and settlement, and generates information concerningcharging and settlement.

The order receiving server 80, as described above, includes an ordercomputer 81 and an order database 82.

As described above, when reorder receiving inquiry data, which weregenerated by the output receiving server 20 for the preparation for acase in which a user would later reorder the printed matter of an imagecorresponding to order data, are supplied to the order computer 81, theorder computer 81 generates various kinds of information concerning thereceiving of an order including a reorder, and the order computer 81supplies the generated information to the order database 82.

Then, when a connection requirement is issued from the user terminal 90to the order computer 81, the order computer 81 performs the sameprocessing as one described above. In other words, the order computer 81makes a not shown display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined initial screen for reordering. When various kinds ofinformation indicating reordered contents are supplied to the ordercomputer 81 from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the ordercomputer 81 performs various kinds of processing concerning reorderingon the basis of the reorder data. To put it specifically, the ordercomputer 81 performs user inquiry by the use of order data when arequirement of a reorder is transmitted from the user terminal 90. Whenthe user is an eligible person as a result of the inquiring, the ordercomputer 81 makes the displaying of a predetermined menu screen forreordering on the display screen of the user terminal 90. According to aselection operation of the user terminal 90 with the menu screen, theorder computer 81 supplies the aforesaid preview display instructioncontrol signal for making the display of the user terminal 90 display apreview image to the image processing server 60. Then, when aconfirmation control signal indicating an order after the confirmationof the preview image is supplied to the order computer 81 from the userterminal 90, the order computer 81 makes the display of the userterminal 90 display a predetermined payment method screen concerning thepayment of a charge. In response to a selection operation of the userterminal 90 with the payment method screen, the order computer 81supplies the aforesaid charging instruction control signal instructingcharging to the charging & settlement server 70. Moreover, when theaforesaid charging completion control signal indicating the completionof charging processing is supplied to the order computer 81 from thecharging & settlement server 70, the order computer 81 supplies areception completion control signal indicating the completion of thereception of the reorder to the user terminal 90, and further the ordercomputer 81 supplies the aforesaid re-receiving data indicating thecontents of the reorder to the output receiving server 20. The ordercomputer 81 generates the information concerning the reorder as theaforesaid various kinds of information concerning the reception of theorder, and the information is supplied to the order database 82.

The order database 82, as described above, temporarily stores thecaptured image data and stores various kinds of information that weregenerated by the order computer 81 and concern the reception of an orderas a database under the control of the order computer 81. The variouskinds of information that are to be stored in the order database 82 andconcern the reception of an order are the same as those shown in FIG. 6previously.

This order receiving server 80 receives orders including reorders ofimages and generates the information concerning the reception of theorders.

The user terminal 90, as described above, includes a user computer 91.

The user computer 91 performs the procedures such as the display of apreview image or payment by performing the processing similar to theaforesaid one through a predetermined provider at the event ofperforming a reorder of an image.

This user terminal 90 works as a user interface at the event ofreordering, and the user terminal 90 is also a communication terminalenabling a user to perform the delivery of information between anbusiness operator through a network.

Now, the print order receiving system composed of each apparatus likethis performs the delivery of information between each apparatus asshown in FIG. 16, and receives an order of a print output of an image.In addition, in FIG. 16, white arrows indicate information delivered ina process for ordering a print output of an image by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 100, and black arrows indicate information to bedelivered in a process for a later reorder based on a captured imagedata obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, in the following, a printedmatter shipped in the process indicated by the white arrows is called as“initial printed matter”, and a printed matter in the process indicatedby the black arrows is called as “later printed matter” as the needarises.

In the print order receiving system, when a user first performs theimaging with the imaging apparatus 100 by paying a rental fee, forexample, in coins or the like, the aforesaid order data OD generated bythe imaging apparatus 100 are supplied to the output receiving server20. Moreover, the captured image data PID obtained by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 100 are supplied to the image storing server 30 andthe first print out apparatus 110. Then, in the print order receivingsystem, when the order of the print output of the captured image dataPID is received in such a way, the first print out apparatus 110 isoperated in response to a printing instruction from the imagingapparatus 100. The initial printed matter PRF generated by the firstprint out apparatus 110 is delivered to a user on the spot. Moreover, inthe print order receiving system, the aforesaid order memorandum OMR isdirectly delivered to a user, or the order memorandum OMR is deliveredto the user through the user terminal 90. Moreover, in the print orderreceiving system, the output receiving server generates the aforesaidreorder receiving inquiry data RROID to supply the reorder receivinginquiry data RROID to the order receiving server 80.

In the print order receiving system, the delivery of information isperformed in such a way, and then the initial printed mater PRF of thecaptured imaged data PID reaches the user.

Moreover, in the print order receiving system, when a reorder of laterprinted matter of image data based on the captured image data PID isperformed, a user accesses the order receiving server 80 with the userterminal 90 at first. Then, the user transmits reorder data ROD to theorder receiving server 80 with the user terminal 90. In other words, inthe print order receiving system, by the user's generation of thereorder data ROD on the basis of the information recorded in theaforesaid order memorandum OMR, the captured image data PID to be abasis of the image to be reordered are specified, and that the user isan eligible person of a right of accessing the captured image data PIDis certified on the basis of the aforesaid reorder receiving inquirydata RROID, more specifically, the aforesaid various kinds ofinformation concerning the reception of an order including a reorderwhich information was generated on the basis of the reorder receivinginquiry data RROID.

In the print order receiving system, when the later printed matter ofthe image data based on the captured image data PID is ordered in such away, the image processing server 60 reads the captured image data PID,foreground image data and/or background image data, all being designatedby the image storing server 30, and predetermined image processing isperformed to the read image data. The image data obtained as a result ofthe processing are downloaded to the user terminal 90 as a previewimage, and are displayed on the display of the user terminal 90. In theprint order receiving system, when a user confirms a preview image, thepayment information as the aforesaid reorder data ROD is deliveredbetween the user terminal 90 and the charging & settlement server 70,and thereby the charging processing is performed. In the print orderreceiving system, the order receiving server 80 generates the aforesaidre-receiving data RROD corresponding to the charging processing. By thesupply of the re-receiving data RROD to the output receiving server 20,the order of the later printed matter is re-received. Then, in the printorder receiving system, the image storing server 30 and the second printout apparatus 120 operate to generate the later printed matter PRL inresponse to a print instruction from the output receiving server 20. Thelater printed matter PRL is shipped to the user through the shippingterminal 50.

In the print order receiving system, the delivery of information isperformed in such a way, and then the later printed matter PRL of theimage data based on the captured image data PID reaches the user.

In more concrete terms, the print order receiving system receives anorder of a print output of a captured image data PID and a reorder of aprint output of the image data based on the captured image data PID byperforming a series of processing as shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19. Inaddition, in FIG. 14 to FIG. 19, too, the contents of the processing ofeach apparatus in the print order receiving system are shown, and thetiming of the delivery of information between each apparatus is alsoshown. Moreover, in FIG. 14 to FIG. 19, as described above, white arrowsindicate information delivered in a process for ordering a print outputof an image by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 100, and blackarrows indicate information to be delivered in a process for a laterreorder based on a captured image data obtained by previous imaging.Moreover, the user terminal 90 in FIG. 14 to FIG. 19 may designate anactual user oneself.

By the imaging with the imaging apparatus 100 in the print orderreceiving system at first, the process for ordering a print output of animage is performed through a series of the processing as shown in FIG.17.

In other words, in the print order receiving system, for example, when auser pays a fee against the imaging apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 17,at step S61, the imaging apparatus 100 performs the imaging of anobject. At this stage, in the print order receiving system, order dataOD are generated by the imaging apparatus 100 to be supplied to theoutput receiving server 20. Moreover, in the print order receivingsystem, captured image data PID are supplied from the imaging apparatus100 to the image storing server 30. With this, in the print orderreceiving system, at step S62, the order data OD are stored by theoutput receiving server 20. Moreover, in the print order receivingsystem, at step S63, the image storing server 30 stores the capturedimage data PID.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S64, the imagingapparatus 100 generates a print instruction control signal C61 forinstructing the print of an image to supply the print instructioncontrol signal C61 to the first print out apparatus 110. Moreover, inthe print order receiving system, the imaging apparatus 100 supplies thecaptured image data PID to be printed to the first print out apparatus110, and the image storing server 30 supplies image data OID such as theforeground image data and/or the background image data to the firstprint out apparatus 110.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S65, the first printout apparatus 110 performs the printing processing of the image dataobtained by the execution of predetermined processing such as synthesisof the captured image data PID and the image data OID. Moreover, as theneed arises, at step S66, the processing similar to the aforesaidprocessing at step S10.

Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S67, the first printout apparatus 110 discharges the generated initial printed matter PRF tothe outside to execute predetermined delivery processing to the user.The user, at step S68, receives the outputted initial printed matter PRFon the spot.

Moreover, in the print order receiving system, at step S68, the imagingapparatus 100 issues an order memorandum OMR. The user or the userterminal 90, at step S70, receives the order memorandum OMR.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S71, the outputreceiving server 20 generates a reorder receiving inquiry data RROID tosupply the generated reorder receiving inquiry data RROID to the orderreceiving server 80. As a result, in the print order receiving system,at step S72, the order receiving inquiry server 80 stores the reorderreceiving inquiry data RROID, and the series of processing isterminated.

As described above, in the print order receiving system, a user canreceive the initial printed matter PRF of the captured image data PIDobtained by the imaging of the imaging apparatus 100.

On the other hand, in the print order receiving system, the process forreordering later printed matter PRL later on the basis of a capturedimage data PID is performed through a series of processing as shown inFIG. 18 and FIG. 19. Similarly to the process shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.10, the process is roughly divided into four processes, i.e. aconnection & user inquiry process, a reception and received contentconfirmation process, a payment confirmation and order receivingprocess, and a printing and shipping process.

At first, in the print order receiving system, as shown in FIG. 18, theconnection & user inquiry process is performed. In the print orderreceiving system, at step S81, the user terminal 90 performs accessprocessing to the order receiving server 80. The access processing isfor example the following processing. In the print order receivingsystem, a connection requirement control signal C81 for requiringconnection is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the order receivingserver 80 in response to the access processing. Thereby, in the printorder receiving system, when the connection is permitted, the aforesaidpredetermined initial screen IV for reorder is downloaded from the orderreceiving server 80 to the user terminal 90 to be displayed on the notshown display of the user terminal 90.

Next, in the print order receiving system, the user requests a reorderby operating a selection button on an initial screen IV with anoperation section. In the print order receiving system, the userterminal 90 supplies a reorder request control signal C82 for therequest of a reorder to the order receiving server 80 in response to therequest. As a result, in the print order receiving system, the orderreceiving server 80 supplies a request control signal C83 for requestingthe upload of reorder data ROD of the user terminal 90. In the printorder receiving system, at step S82, the reorder data ROD is generatedby user's input of predetermined information with the operation sectionafter the user's confirmation of the contents of the order memorandumOMR in response to the request. In the print order receiving system, thereorder data ROD is supplied from the user terminal 90 to the orderreceiving server 80.

Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S83, the orderreceiving server 80 inquires the user by inspecting the conformitybetween the reorder receiving inquiry data RROID and the reorder dataROD.

Next, in the print order receiving system, when the eligibility of auser is certified and the user's reorder is permitted, as the receptionand received content confirmation, the aforesaid predetermined menuscreen MV for a reorder is downloaded from the order receiving server 80to the user terminal 90 to be displayed on the display of the userterminal 90. In the print order receiving system, a user issues areorder by selecting desired image data to reorder in the menu displayedon the menu screen MV by operating a selection button for selecting theimage data with the operating section. At that stage, the user canselect desired foreground image data and/or desired background imagedata besides captured image data PID. In the print order receivingsystem, in response to the user's selection operation, an image dataselection control signal C84 indicating the selected image data issupplied from the user terminal 90 to the order receiving server 80.Thereby, in the print order receiving system, at step S84, receptioncontents such as the selected image data and an ordered quantity areconfirmed by the order receiving server 80.

In succession, in the print order receiving system, a preview displayinstruction control signal C85 for making the display of the userterminal 90 display a preview image on the basis of the selected imagedata is supplied from the order receiving server 80 to the imageprocessing server 60. Thereby, in the print order receiving system, atstep S85, the image processing server 60 performs the predeterminedpreparation processing for performing the display of a preview image tothe user terminal 90. Then, in the print order receiving system, animage requirement control signal C86 indicating the requirement for theimage data to be displayed as preview display is supplied from the imageprocessing server 60 to the image storing server 30.

NextNext, in the print order receiving system, the aforesaid image dataPVID are read from the image storing server 30 in response to the imagerequirement control signal C86 to be supplied to the image processingserver 60. In the print order receiving system, at step S86, the imageprocessing server 60 performs the predetermined image processing of theimage data PVID to supply the processed image data PVID to the userterminal 90 as a preview image PVI. The preview image PVI is displayedon the display in the user terminal 90.

Then, in the print order receiving system, when the user confirms thepreview image PVI and performs a predetermined operation indicating thedecision of the reorder of later printed matter PRL having the samecontents as the preview image PVI, the user terminal 90 supplies aconfirmation control signal C87 indicating the confirmation and theorder of the preview image PVI to the order receiving server 80. In theprint order receiving system, at step S87, the order receiving server 80confirms the final reception contents.

Next, in the print order receiving system, as shown in FIG. 19, as thepayment confirmation and order receiving process, the aforesaidpredetermined payment method screen CV is downloaded from the orderreceiving server 80 to the user terminal 90 to be displayed on thedisplay of the user terminal 90. In the print order receiving system, auser selects a desired payment method in the menu displayed in thepayment method screen CV and operates the selection button for theselection of the payment method with the operation section, and therebya payment method control signal C88 is supplied from the user terminal90 to the order receiving server 80. Then, in the print order receivingsystem, at step S88, the order receiving server 80 confirms the paymentmethod, and a charging instruction control signal C89 instructingcharging is supplied to the charging & settlement server 70.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S89, the charging &settlement server 70 performs predetermined preparation processing forexecuting charging processing, and the charging & settlement server 70supplies a payment information requirement signal C90 for requiring theaforesaid payment information to the user terminal 90. As a result, inthe print order receiving system, by the user's input of thepredetermined payment information with the operation section of the userterminal 90, the payment information is generated as the aforesaidreorder data ROD by the user terminal 90 to be supplied to the charging& settlement server 70. In the print order receiving system, when thereorder data ROD are supplied from the user terminal 90 to the charging& settlement server 70, at step S90, the charging & settlement server 70executes the charging processing.

Then, in the print order receiving system, a payment completion controlsignal C91 indicating the completion of the payment is supplied from thecharging & settlement server 70 to the user terminal 90, and a chargingcompletion control signal C92 indicating the completion of the chargingprocessing is supplied from the charging & settlement server 70 to theorder receiving server 80. In the print order receiving system, at stepS91, the order receiving server 80 performs the processing forcompleting the reorder receiving to supply a reception completioncontrol signal C93 indicating the completion of the reception to theuser terminal 90, and further the aforesaid re-receiving data RROD aresupplied from the order receiving server 80 to the output receivingserver 20.

In succession, in the print order receiving system, as the printing andshipping process, at step S92, the output receiving server 20 generatesa printing instruction control signal C94 for instructing the printingof an image to be supplied to the second print out apparatus 120.Moreover, in the print order receiving system, image requirement controlsignals C95 and C96 indicating the requirement of the image data to beprinted are supplied from the output receiving server 20 and the secondprint out apparatus 120 to the image storing server 30. As a result, inthe print order receiving system, image data PRID to be printed are readfrom the image storing server 30 in response to the image requirementcontrol signals C95 and C96 to be supplied to the second print outapparatus 120.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S93, the second printout apparatus 120 performs the printing processing of the image dataPRID, and further, at step S94, the second print out apparatus 120performs the post processing of the printing similar to the aforesaidprocessing at step S10 as the need arises.

Then, in the print order receiving system, the second print outapparatus 120 supplies a print ending control signal C97 indicating theending of the printing of an image together with the generated laterprinted matter PRL to the shipping terminal 50. As a result, in theprint order receiving system, at step S95, the shipping terminal 50performs predetermined shipping processing, and the later printed matterPRL is shipped to the user. The user, at step S96, receives the shippedlater printed matter PRL, and the series of processing is terminated.

As described above, in the print order receiving system, a user canreorder and receive a later printed matter PRL of image data based oncaptured image data PID obtained by the imaging with the imagingapparatus 10.

As described above, the print order receiving system shown as the thirdembodiment of the present invention, similarly to the print orderreceiving system shown as the first embodiment, stores various kinds ofinformation concerning ordering together with captured image data PIDobtained by previous imaging, and supplies the stored informationtogether with the captured image data PID through a network. Thereby, auser can reorder the later printed matter PRL of the image data based onthe captured image data PID obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, theprint order receiving system enables an business operator to establishthe imaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110 at aplurality of places and to establish various kinds of apparatus otherthan the imaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110intensively, which enables the business operator to increase theoperation efficiency of the first print out apparatus 110 and the secondprint out apparatus 120, and to collect the expense of equipment in ashort period. In particular, because the print order receiving systemcan deliver initial printed matter PRF obtained by imaging to a user onthe spot, the facility of the system to the user and the amusing featureof the system are improved.

Next, a description is given to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. The print order receiving system has a configurationbasically similar to that of the print order receiving system shown asthe second embodiment. The print order receiving system of the forthembodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in deliveringprinted matter of captured image data obtained by imaging with imagingapparatus to a user on the spot similarly to the print order receivingsystem shown as the third embodiment. Accordingly, hereupon, eachapparatus is designated by the same reference mark as that of the secondembodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

The print order receiving system is, as shown in FIG. 20, equipped withan output receiving server 20, an image storing server 30, a shippingterminal 50, an image processing server 60, a charging & settlementserver 70, an order receiving server 80, user terminals 90, imagingapparatus 100, first print out apparatus 110 and a second print outapparatus 120.

In the print order receiving system, a network connecting the userterminals 90 with the image processing server 60, the charging &settlement server 70 and the order receiving server 80 is one such asthe Internet. A network connecting the output receiving server 20, theimage storing server 30, the shipping terminal 50, the image processingserver 60, the order receiving server 80 and the second print outapparatus 120 and a network connecting the imaging apparatus 100 and thefirst print out apparatus 110 and the second print out apparatus 120 areone such as intranet. Then, in the print order receiving system, theimaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110 areconnected with the network and disposed at a plurality of locations. Aplurality of user terminals 90 is connected with the network connectingthe image processing server 60, the charging & settlement server 70 andthe order receiving server 80.

Each of the imaging apparatus 100, as described above, includes animaging section 101, an image computer 102, an imaging database 103 andan order memorandum issuing 104.

The imaging section 101, as described above, images an object and abackground and the like as the need arises under the control of theimaging computer 102.

The image computer 102 performs the control of the imaging section 101at the event of imaging, and supplies captured image data obtained bythe imaging of the imaging section 101 not to the image storing server30 but to the order receiving server 80. Moreover, the image computer102 supplies the generated various kinds of information concerningimaging to the imaging database 103, and supplies the information not tothe output receiving server 20 but to the order receiving server 80 asorder data. Moreover, the image computer 102, as described above,generates a print instruction control signal for instructing theprinting of an image to supply the generated print instruction controlsignal to the first print out apparatus 110. The image computer 102 alsosupplies the captured image data obtained by the imaging of the imagingsection 101 to the first print out apparatus 110. Furthermore, the imagecomputer 102, as described above, controls the order memorandum issuing104 to make it issue an order memorandum.

The imaging database 103, as described above, stores various kinds ofinformation concerning imaging, the information being generated by theimage computer 102, as a database. The various kinds of information thatconcern the imaging and are to be stored in the imaging database 103 arethe same as ones shown in FIG. 2 previously.

The order memorandum issuing 104, as described above, issues at leastthe aforesaid “Image number (Order Number)” and “Password” as an ordermemorandum under the control of the image computer 102. It is needlessto say that, in the print order receiving system, as described above, anorder memorandum issued by the order memorandum issuing 104 may bedelivered to a user on the spot as printed matter, or the ordermemorandum may be delivered to the user by the transmission of the ordermemorandum to the user terminal 90 through a predetermined provider.

Each of such imaging apparatus 100 images at least an object by theuser's payment of a rental fee in, for example, coins, and the imagingapparatus 100 generates the information concerning the imaging togetherwith captured image data. The imaging apparatus 100 controls the firstprint out apparatus 110 to make the first print out apparatus 110 outputprinted matter.

The output receiving server 20, as described above, includes a receivingcomputer 21 and a receiving database 22.

The receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds of informationconcerning order receiving on the basis of the order data supplied notfrom the imaging apparatus 100 but from the order receiving apparatus80, and the receiving computer 21 supplies the generated information tothe receiving database 22. Now, the receiving computer 21 does notgenerate the aforesaid reorder receiving inquiry data. Moreover, thereceiving computer 21, as described above, receives re-receiving datafrom the order receiving server 80 at the event of receiving a reorder.Then, the receiving computer 21 generates the various kinds ofinformation concerning order receiving on the basis of the receivedre-receiving data to supply the generated information to the receivingdatabase 22. Moreover, the receiving computer 21, as described above,generates a print instruction control signal for instructing theprinting of an image. The receiving computer 21 supplies the generatedprint instruction control signal to the second print out apparatus 120,and further the receiving computer 21 supplies an image requirementcontrol signal indicating the requirement of image data to be printed tothe image storing server 30.

The receiving database 22, as described above, stores the various kindsof information that concern order receiving and were generated by thereceiving computer 21 as a database. The various kinds of informationthat concern order receiving and are to be stored in the receivingdatabase 22 are the same as ones shown in FIG. 3 previously. However,the various kinds of information concerning order receiving weregenerated by the receiving computer 21 on the basis of the order dataand the re-receiving data, both being supplied from the order receivingserver 80.

This output receiving server 20 performs the whole processing concerningthe order receiving of a print out of an image, and generates theinformation concerning each order receiving.

The image storing server 30, as described above, includes an imagecomputer 31 and an image database 32.

The image computer 31, as described above, receives the captured imagedata stored in the order receiving server 80 temporarily, and the imagecomputer 31 makes the image database 32 store the received capturedimage data. Moreover, the image computer 31, as described above, makesthe image database 32 store various kinds of image data besides thecaptured image data. Moreover, the image computer 31, as describedabove, generates various kinds of information concerning the storedimage data corresponding to the image data. The image computer 31supplies the generated information to the image database 32 for makingthe image database 32 store the supplied information. Furthermore, theimage computer 31, as described above, reads the image data from theimage database 32 from which image data are required corresponding to animage requirement control signal supplied from the image processingserver 60. The image computer 31 supplies the read image data to theimage processing server 60. Furthermore, the image computer 31, asdescribed above, reads the image data from the image database 32 whichimage data were required corresponding to the image requirement controlsignal supplied from the output receiving server 20 and the second printout apparatus 120. The image computer 31 supplies the read image data tothe second print out apparatus 120.

The image database 32, as described above, stores various kinds of imagedata under the control of the image computer 31, and stores variouskinds of information that concern image data and are generated by theimage computer 31 as a database. The various kinds of information thatconcern the image data and are stored in the image database 32 are thesame ones as shown in FIG. 4 previously.

This image storing server 30 stores various kinds of image data, andgenerates the information concerning image data.

The first print out apparatus 110, as described above, includes anoutput computer 111 and a print output 112.

As described above, when a printing instruction control signalinstructing the printing of an image is supplied to the output computer111 from the imaging apparatus 100, the output computer 111 makes theprint output 112 print the image data generated by the predeterminedimage processing such as the synthesis of the captured image datasupplied from the imaging apparatus 100 and the desired image datasupplied from the image storing server 30.

The print output 112, as described above, prints an image under thecontrol of the output computer 111 to discharge it as printed matter tothe outside. The printed matter is delivered to a user as it is.

This first print out apparatus 110 prints the designated image, andgenerates printed matter to deliver it to a user.

The second print out apparatus 120, as described above, includes anoutput computer 121 and a print output 122.

As described above, when a printing instruction control signal forinstructing the printing of an image is supplied to the output computer121 from the output receiving server 20, the output computer 121supplies an image requirement control signal indicating the requirementof the image data to be printed to the image storing server 30. Then,the output computer 121 makes the print output 122 print the image dataread corresponding to the image requirement control signal. And then,when the printing ends, the output computer 121 supplies a print endingcontrol signal indicating the end of the printing of an image to theshipping terminal 50 together with generated printed matter.

The print output 122, as described above, prints an image under thecontrol of the output computer 121 to discharge it as printed matter tothe outside. The printed matter is supplied to the shipping terminal 50by the output computer 121.

This second print out apparatus 120 prints the designated image, andgenerates printed matter as final shipping goods.

The shipping terminal 50, as described above, includes a shippingcomputer 51.

As described above, when a print ending control signal indicating theend of the printing of an image is supplied to the shipping computer 51from the second print out apparatus 120, the shipping computer 51performs various kinds of processing for the preparation for shipment.When the preparation for the shipping by the shipping computer 51 iscompleted, the printed matter is shipped. The shipping computer 51generates shipping information indicating the shipping of the printedmatter, and records the information in, for example, a hard disk driveor the like, or displays the information on a display.

This shipping terminal 50 performs various kinds of processing such asthe generation of various kinds of information necessary for theshipping of printed matter to a user being a right addressee.

The image processing server 60, as described above, includes aprocessing computer 61.

As described above, when a preview display instruction control signalfor instructing the not shown display of the user terminal 90 to displayan image is supplied to the processing computer 61 from the orderreceiving server 80, the processing computer 61 supplies an imagerequirement control signal indicating the requirement of the image datato be displayed to the image storing server 30. Then, the processingcomputer 61, as described above, processes the image data that were readin response to the image requirement control signal as the need arises,and the processing computer 61 supplies the read image data to the userterminal 90 as a preview image to make the displaying of the previewimage.

This image processing server 60 processes image data to generate apreview image for displaying an image similar to the printed matter.

The charging & settlement server 70, as described above, includes acharging computer 71 and a charging database 72.

As described above, when a charging instruction control signal forinstructing charging is supplied to the charging computer 71 from theorder receiving server 80, the charging computer 71 requires paymentinformation, which is the information concerning a payment methodnecessary for the payment of charge, of the user terminal 90. Then, whenthe charging computer 71, as described above, receives the paymentinformation from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the chargingcomputer 71 executes its charging processing. And then, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a payment completion control signal indicating thecompletion of payment to the user terminal 90. Moreover, the chargingcomputer 71 supplies a charging completion control signal indicating thecompletion of the charging processing to the order receiving server 80.The charging computer 71 generates various kinds of informationconcerning the charging and the settlement at the event of theprocessing to make the charging database 72 store the information.

The charging database 72, as described above, stores the various kindsof information that concern charging and settlement and are generated bythe charging computer 71 as a database. The various kinds of informationto be stored in the charging database 71 are the same as ones shown inFIG. 5 previously.

This charging & settlement server 70 carries the whole processingconcerning charging and settlement, and generates information concerningcharging and settlement.

The order receiving server 80, as described above, includes an ordercomputer 81 and an order database 82.

As described above, when order data generated by the imaging apparatus100 are supplied to the order computer 81, the order computer 81 makesthe order database 82 store the order data, and generates various kindsof information concerning the receiving of an order on the basis of theorder data. The order computer 81 supplies the generated information tothe order database 82. Moreover, when captured image data are suppliedto the order computer 81 from the imaging apparatus 100, the ordercomputer 81 supplies the captured image data to the order database 82,and makes the order database 82 store the captured image datatemporarily. After that, the order computer 81 supplies the storedcaptured image data to the image storing server 30. Furthermore, theorder computer 81 supplies received order data indicating the contentsof the order to the output receiving server 20.

Then, when a connection requirement is issued from the user terminal 90to the order computer 81, the order computer 81 performs the sameprocessing as one described above. In other words, the order computer 81makes a not shown display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined initial screen for reordering. When various kinds ofinformation indicating reordered contents are supplied to the ordercomputer 81 from the user terminal 90 as reorder data, the ordercomputer 81 performs various kinds of processing concerning reorderingon the basis of the reorder data. To put it specifically, the ordercomputer 81 performs user inquiry by inspecting the conformity betweenthe order data and the reorder data when a requirement of a reorder istransmitted from the user terminal 90. When the user is an eligibleperson as a result of the inquiring, the order computer 81 makes thedisplaying of a predetermined menu screen for reordering on the displayscreen of the user terminal 90. According to a selection operation ofthe user terminal 90 with the menu screen, the order computer 81supplies the aforesaid preview display instruction control signal formaking the display of the user terminal 90 display a preview image tothe image processing server 60. Then, when a confirmation control signalindicating an order after the confirmation of the preview image issupplied to the order computer 81 from the user terminal 90, the ordercomputer 81 makes the display of the user terminal 90 display apredetermined payment method screen concerning the payment of a charge.In response to a selection operation of the user terminal 90 with thepayment method screen, the order computer 81 supplies the aforesaidcharging instruction control signal instructing charging to the charging& settlement server 70. Moreover, when the aforesaid charging completioncontrol signal indicating the completion of charging processing issupplied to the order computer 81 from the charging & settlement server70, the order computer 81 supplies a reception completion control signalindicating the completion of the reception of the reorder to the userterminal 90, and further the order computer 81 supplies the aforesaidre-receiving data indicating the contents of the reorder to the outputreceiving server 20. The order computer 81 generates the informationconcerning the reorder as the aforesaid various kinds of informationconcerning the reception of the order, and the information is suppliedto the order database 82.

The order database 82, as described above, temporarily stores thecaptured image data and stores various kinds of information that weregenerated by the order computer 81 and concern the reception of an orderas a database under the control of the order computer 81. The variouskinds of information that are to be stored in the order database 82 andconcern the reception of an order are the same as those shown in FIG. 6previously. The information further includes ordered prices of capturedimage data themselves which prices were obtained by the imaging of theimaging apparatus 100.

This order receiving server 80 receives orders including reorders ofimages and generates the information concerning the reception of theorders.

The user terminal 90, as described above, includes a user computer 91.

The user computer 91 performs the procedures such as the display of apreview image or payment by performing the processing similar to theaforesaid one through a predetermined provider at the event ofperforming a reorder of an image.

This user terminal 90 works as a user interface at the event ofreordering, and the user terminal 90 is also a communication terminalenabling a user to perform the delivery of information to a businessoperator through a network.

Now, the print order receiving system composed of each apparatus likethis performs the delivery of information between each apparatus asshown in FIG. 21, and receives an order of a print output of an image.In FIG. 21, white arrows indicate information delivered in a process forordering a print output of an image by the imaging of the imagingapparatus 100, and black arrows indicate information to be delivered ina process for a later reorder based on a captured image data obtained byprevious imaging. Moreover, in the following, a printed matter shippedin the process indicated by the white arrows is called as “initialprinted matter”, and a printed matter in the process indicated by theblack arrows is called as “later printed matter” as the need arises.

In the print order receiving system, when a user first performs theimaging with the imaging apparatus 100 by paying a rental fee, forexample, in coins or the like, the captured image data PID generated bythe imaging of the imaging apparatus 100 are supplied to the first printout apparatus 110. Then, in the print order receiving system, when theorder of the print output of the captured image data PID is received insuch a way, the first print out apparatus 110 is operated in response toa printing instruction from the imaging apparatus 100. The initialprinted matter PRF generated by the first print out apparatus 110 isdelivered to a user on the spot. Moreover, in the print order receivingsystem, the aforesaid order memorandum OMR is directly delivered to auser, or the order memorandum OMR is delivered to the user through theuser terminal 90. Moreover, in the print order receiving system, theaforesaid order data OD generated by the imaging apparatus 100 and thecaptured image data PID obtained by the imaging of the imaging apparatus100 are both supplied to the order receiving server 80. Then in theprint order receiving system, the captured image data stored in theorder receiving server 80 temporarily are supplied to the image storingserver 30. Moreover, the print order receiving system, the orderreceiving server 80 generates the aforesaid ordered data RODD to supplythe generated ordered data RODD to the output receiving server 20.

In the print order receiving system, the delivery of information isperformed in such way as described above, and then the initial printedmater PRF of the captured imaged data PID reaches the user.

Moreover, in the print order receiving system, when a reorder of laterprinted matter of image data based on the captured image data PID isperformed, a user accesses the order receiving server 80 with the userterminal 90 at first. Then, the user transmits reorder data ROD to theorder receiving server 80 with the user terminal 90.

In the print order receiving system, when the later printed matter ofthe image data based on the captured image data PID is ordered in such away, the image processing server 60 reads the captured image data PID,foreground image data and/or background image data, all being designatedby the image storing server 30, and predetermined image processing isperformed to the read image data. The image data obtained as a result ofthe processing are downloaded to the user terminal 90 as a previewimage, and are displayed on the display of the user terminal 90. In theprint order receiving system, when a user confirms a preview image, thepayment information as the aforesaid reorder data ROD is deliveredbetween the user terminal 90 and the charging & settlement server 70,and thereby the charging processing is performed. In the print orderreceiving system, the order receiving server 80 generates the aforesaidre-receiving data RROD corresponding to the charging processing. By thesupply of the re-receiving data RROD to the output receiving server 20,the order of the later printed matter is re-received. Then, in the printorder receiving system, the image storing server 30 and the second printout apparatus 120 operate to generate the later printed matter PRL inresponse to a print instruction from the output receiving server 20. Thelater printed matter PRL is shipped to the user through the shippingterminal 50.

In the print order receiving system, by delivering information in suchway as described above, the later printed matter PRL of the image databased on the captured image data PID reaches the user.

In more specific terms, the print order receiving system receives anorder of a print output of a captured image data PID by performing aseries of processing as shown in FIG. 22, and receives a reorder ofprint output of the image data based on the captured image data PID byperforming the processing similar to that shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19previously. In addition, in FIG. 22 too, the contents of the processingof each apparatus in the print order receiving system are shown, and thetiming of the delivery of information between each apparatus is alsoindicated. Moreover, the user terminal 90 in FIG. 22 may designate anactual user oneself.

In other words, by the imaging with the imaging apparatus 100 in theprint order receiving system, as the process for ordering a print outputof an image, for example, when a user pays a fee against the imagingapparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 22, at step S101, the imaging apparatus100 performs the imaging of an object.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S102, the imagingapparatus 100 generates a print instruction control signal C101 forinstructing the print of an image to supply the print instructioncontrol signal C101 to the first print out apparatus 110. Moreover, inthe print order receiving system, the imaging apparatus 100 supplies thecaptured image data PID to be printed to the first print out apparatus110, and the image storing server 30 supplies image data OID such as theforeground image data and/or the background image data to the firstprint out apparatus 110.

Next, in the print order receiving system, at step S103, the first printout apparatus 110 performs the printing processing of the image dataobtained by the execution of predetermined processing such as synthesisof the captured image data PID and the image data OID. Moreover, as theneed arises, at step S104, the processing similar to the aforesaidprocessing at step S10.

Then, in the print order receiving system, at step S105, the first printout apparatus 110 outputs the generated initial printed matter PRF inorder to execute a predetermined delivery processing to the user. Theuser, at step S106, receives the outputted initial printed matter PRF onthe spot.

Moreover, in the print order receiving system, at step S107, the imagingapparatus 100 issues an order memorandum OMR. The user or the userterminal 90, at step S108, receives the order memorandum OMR.

Next, in the print order receiving system, the imaging apparatus 100generates an order data OD in order to supply the generated order dataOD to the order receiving server 80. Moreover, in the print orderreceiving system, the imaging apparatus 100 supplies captured image dataPID to the order receiving server 80. As a result, in the print orderreceiving system, at step S109, the order receiving server 80 storeorder data OD, and at step S110, the order receiving server 80temporarily stores the captured image data PID.

Next, in the print order receiving system, the order receiving server 80supplies the captured image data PID to the image storing server 30. Asa result, in the print order receiving system, at step S111, the imagestoring server 30 stores the capture image data PID. Moreover, in theprint order receiving system, the order receiving server 80 supplies theordered data RODD to the output receiving server 20. As a result, in theprint order receiving system, at step S112, the output receiving server20 stores the ordered data RODD. Thus, the series of processing iscompleted.

As described above, in the print order receiving system, a user canreceive the initial printed matter PRF of the captured image data PIDobtained by the imaging with the imaging apparatus 100 on the spot. Inaddition, in the print order receiving system, the process forreordering later printed matter PRL based on the captured image data PIDlater is performed through a series of processing like the processingshown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 previously.

As described above, the print order receiving system shown as the fourthembodiment of the present invention, similarly to the print orderreceiving system shown as the second embodiment, stores various kinds ofinformation concerning ordering together with captured image data PIDobtained by previous imaging, and supplies the stored informationtogether with the captured image data PID through a network. Thereby, auser can reorder the later printed matter PRL of the image data based onthe captured image data PID obtained by previous imaging. Moreover, theprint order receiving system enables an business operator to establishthe imaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110 at aplurality of places and to establish various kinds of apparatus otherthan the imaging apparatus 100 and the first print out apparatus 110intensively, which enables the business operator to increase theoperation efficiency of the first print out apparatus 110 and the secondprint out apparatus 120, and to collect the expense of equipment in ashort period. In particular, because the print order receiving systemintensively receives the order at first and a reorder with the orderreceiving server 80, the system can generate the same database both atthe order at first and at the reorder. Consequently, the simplificationof processing can be attained. Moreover, because the system can deliverinitial printed matter PRF obtained by imaging to a user on the spot,the convenience of the system to the user and the amusing feature of thesystem are improved.

As described above, the print order receiving system shown as theembodiment of the present invention stores various kinds of informationconcerning orders along with captured image data obtained by previousimaging. Consequently, a user can easily reorder printed matter of imagedata based on captured image data obtained by previous imaging through anetwork. Hence, the print order receiving system can meet a request of auser even in a case in which, for example, a plurality of sheets of thesame printed matter are needed later and in a case in which a pluralsheets of printed matter in which only the foregrounds and/or thebackgrounds are changed. In particular, the print order receiving systemis effective in a case in which a printed matter is produced by theimaging of a parallax image. By imaging a parallax image only once, thesame printed matter or the similar printed matter in which theforeground and/or the background has been changed can be reordered.

On the other hand, because the print order receiving system can realizea sales form of reordering through a network, a business operator is notrequired to increase the number of systems to increase sales. Moreover,because the system can be put together at few places, the initial feeconcerning the manufacturing the equipment of the system can be reduced.Moreover, the print order receiving system can increase the operationefficiency thereof by collection of the establishment places thereof.Thereby it is possible to secure many users for a unit time.Consequently, the costs of the equipment can be recovered in short term.Furthermore, it is also possible to supply a series of services to auser in a cheaply fashion.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the aforesaidpreferred embodiments, so that many other combinations and subcombinations thereof are allowable. For example, the present inventionmay be a combination of the first embodiment and the third embodiment,or a combination of the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

More specifically, in the print order receiving system, the form ofshipping of initial printed matter after imaging can be changed byproviding a function of selection of the reception form of initialprinted matter at the event of user's imaging with an imaging apparatusamong two choices. One choice is that the user receives the initialprinted matter obtained by the imaging later like in the firstembodiment and the second embodiment. The other choice is that the userreceives the initial printed matter on the spot after the imaging likein the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

Moreover, the print order receiving system may have a mode of receivinginitial printed matter of two grades of image quality. A first gradewould be, for example, a low resolution image quality, the so-calledreplica, in the case in which the initial printed matter is delivered toa user on the spot after imaging like in the third embodiment and in thefourth embodiment. A second grade would be, for example, a highresolution image quality in the case in which the initial printed matteris reordered later after user's confirmation of the initial printedmatter like in the first embodiment and in the second embodiment. Insuch case, because the print order receiving system can set the price ofthe initial printed matter delivered to a user first to be moreaffordable, the system can provide a series of services under affordableprice, and thereby the convenience of the system in relation to a usercan be improved.

Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with acertain degree of particularity, obviously many changes, variations andcombinations are possible therein. It is therefore to be understood thatany modifications will be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

1. A print order receiving system, comprising: a plurality of imagingapparatuses for imaging an object; an order receiving apparatusconnected with said plurality of imaging apparatuses through a network,said order receiving apparatus receiving orders for a print-out of allimage data obtained by imaging of the object, the imaging beingperformed by said plurality imaging apparatuses; an image storingapparatus connected with said plurality of imaging apparatuses throughthe network, said image storing apparatus storing the image dataincluding the captured image data supplied from said plurality ofimaging apparatuses through the network; a print-out apparatus connectedwith said plurality of imaging apparatuses through the network, saidprint-out apparatus printing the image data including at least thecaptured image data supplied from said image storing apparatus throughthe network to output initial printed matter; and a shipping terminalconnected with said plurality of imaging apparatuses through thenetwork, said shipping terminal executing shipping processing of theinitial printed matter corresponding to the captured image data, whereinthe initial printed matter from said print-out apparatuses is one ofhologram and parallax image printed matter, and the captured image dataobtained by said plurality of imaging apparatuses is used for saidhologram or parallax image printed matter, wherein said networkcomprises a first network, said order receiving apparatus comprises afirst order receiving apparatus and said system is connected with aplurality of communication terminals for executing a reorder of a laterprinted matter that is a printed matter of image data based on thecaptured image data through a second network, the second network beingdifferent from the first network; and a second order receiving apparatusconnected with said plural imaging apparatus through the first networkand said plural communication terminals through the second network, saidsecond order receiving apparatus receiving a reorder of the laterprinted matter, the reorder being issued from said plural communicationterminals; and a charging and settlement apparatus connected with saidplural communication terminals through the second network, said chargingand settlement apparatus executing charging and settlement of paymentfor the reordered later printed matter, wherein: said first orderreceiving apparatus receives the reorder of a print output of the imagedata based on the captured image data through the first network, theprint output having been reordered by said communication terminals tosaid second order receiving apparatus through the second network, inresponse to the execution of the charging and the settlement by saidcharging and settlement apparatus; in response to the receiving of thereorder of the print output of the image data based on the reorderedcaptured image data by said first order receiving apparatus, the imagedata based on the reordered captured image data is supplied from saidimage storing apparatus to said first print out apparatus through thefirst network, and said first print out apparatus prints the suppliedimage data to output the later printed matter; and said shippingterminal executes shipping processing of the later printed mattercorresponding to image data based on the reordered captured image data,wherein said imaging apparatus is adapted for obtaining image dataincluding parallax image data and generates information concerningimaging, the information indicating contents of the imaging of theparallax image, at every imaging, and said imaging apparatus suppliesthe information concerning imaging as order data to said first orderreceiving apparatus through said first network.
 2. The print orderreceiving system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging apparatusissues a deposit receipt, the deposit receipt being informationcertifying contents of an order.
 3. The print order receiving systemaccording to claim 2, wherein said deposit receipt has at leastinformation including an image number being an identification numberparticular to each data of imaging and a password for certifyingeligibility of an authority to access the captured image data.
 4. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 2, wherein said imagingapparatus issues the deposit receipt in a form of printed material. 5.The print order receiving system according to claim 2, wherein saidnetwork comprises the first network and said imaging apparatus transmitsthe issued deposit receipt to a designated communication terminalthrough the second network different from the first network.
 6. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 2, wherein the laterprinted matter is a copy of the initial printed matter, or similarprinted matter with a change in a foreground and/or a back ground of theinitial printed matter except for the imaged object.
 7. The print orderreceiving system according to claim 1, wherein on a basis of the orderdata supplied from said imaging apparatus through the first network,said first order receiving apparatus generates, at a time of reorderreceiving, reorder receiving inquiry data for inquiring whether thereordered print output of the image data based on the captured imagedata is reordered by an eligible person having an authority to accessthe captured image, and said first order receiving apparatus suppliesthe reorder receiving inquiry data to said second order receivingapparatus through the first network.
 8. The print order receiving systemaccording to claim 7, wherein said second order receiving apparatusgenerates information concerning receiving of an order, the informationindicating contents of the order, based on the reorder receiving inquirydata supplied from the first order receiving apparatus through the firstnetwork, and said second order receiving apparatus stores theinformation generated in correspondence with the plurality of saidorders, in a database.
 9. The print order receiving system according toclaim 8, wherein said second order receiving apparatus supplies saidreordered data indicating contents of the reorder to said first orderreceiving apparatus through the first network after completion of thecharge processing by said charging and settlement apparatus, and saidsecond order receiving apparatus generates the information concerningreceiving of an order.
 10. The print order receiving system according toclaim 7, wherein: said communication terminals generate reorder dataindicating contents of the reorders to supply the reorder data to saidsecond order receiving apparatus through the second network; and saidsecond order receiving apparatus inspects consistency of the reorderdata and the reorder receiving inquiry data supplied from said firstorder receiving apparatus through the first network, and said secondorder receiving apparatus inquires whether the reorder is sent by aneligible person having authority to access the captured image data. 11.The print order receiving system according to claim 10, wherein: saidcommunication terminals generate payment information, that isinformation concerning a payment method required for payment of acharge, as the reorder data, and supply the reorder data to saidcharging and settlement apparatus through the second network; and acharging and settlement apparatus performs charging and settlement ofthe reordered later printed mater based on the reorder data.
 12. Theprint order receiving system according to claim 1, said print orderreceiving system further comprising: an image processing apparatus forperforming processing of image data, said image processing apparatusperforming the processing to the image data including at least capturedimage data supplied from said image storing apparatus through the firstnetwork to generate a preview image of the reordered image data based onthe captured image data.
 13. The print order receiving system accordingto claim 12, wherein said communication terminals display the previewimage supplied from said image processing apparatus through the secondnetwork on their displays, and said communication terminals generatepayment information, being information concerning a payment methodrequired for payment of a charges, as reorder data in response to aresult of said displaying the preview image and said communicationterminal supplies the reorder data to said charging and settlementapparatus through the second network.
 14. The print order receivingsystem according to claim 12, wherein said image processing apparatussynthesizes the captured image data supplied from said image storingapparatus through the first network and foreground image data thatbecame a foreground and/or background image data that became abackground, both being supplied from said image storing apparatusthrough the first network.
 15. A method for receiving an order for imageprinting, said method comprising the steps of: imaging an object with aplurality of imaging apparatuses; receiving an order for a print-outfrom an order receiving apparatus that is connected with said pluralityof imaging apparatuses through a network for captured image dataobtained by the imaging of the object, the imaging being performed bysaid plurality of imaging apparatuses; storing image data including thecaptured image data supplied from said plurality of imaging apparatusesthrough the network by an image storing apparatus connected with saidplurality of imaging apparatuses through the network; printing the imagedata including at least the captured image data supplied from said imagestoring apparatus through the network to output initial printed matterwith a print-out apparatus connected with said plurality of imagingapparatuses through the network; and shipping the initial printed matterin correspondence with the captured image data with a shipping terminalconnected with said plurality of imaging apparatuses through thenetwork, wherein said initial printed matter is one of a hologram andparallel image printed matter, and said captured image data is used forsaid hologram or parallel image printed matter, wherein said networkcomprises a first network and said order receiving apparatuses comprisesa first order receiving apparatus, said method further comprising thesteps of: reordering later printed matter, that is printed matter ofimage data based on the captured image data, through a second networkthat is different from the first network by a plurality of communicationterminals; receiving the reorder of the later printed matter, thereorder being issued from said plurality of communication terminals, bya second order receiving apparatus connected with said plurality ofimaging apparatuses through the first network and with plurality ofcommunication terminals with the second network; charging and settlingthe reordered later printed matter by a charging and settlementapparatus connected with said plurality of communication terminalsthrough the second network; re-receiving a reorder for a print-out ofthe image data based on the captured image data through the firstnetwork by said first order receiving apparatus, the print-out beingreordered by said communication terminals to said second order receivingapparatus through the second network, in response to the execution ofthe charging and the settlement by a charging and settlement apparatus;supplying the image data based on the reordered captured image data fromsaid image storing apparatus to said first print-out apparatus throughthe first network in response to the re-receiving of the reorderedprint-out of the image data based on the reordered captured image databy said first order receiving apparatus; printing the image datasupplied from said image storing apparatus by said first print-outapparatus to output the later printed matter; and shipping the laterprinted matter by a shipping terminal in correspondence with the imagedata based on the reordered captured image data.
 16. The method forreceiving an order for image printing according to claim 15, said methodfurther comprising a step of: executing processing of the image dataincluding at least the captured image data supplied from said imagestoring apparatus through the first network by an image processingapparatus to generate a preview image of the reordered image data basedon the captured image data.
 17. The method for receiving an order forimage printing according to claim 16, said method further comprising thesteps of: displaying the preview image supplied from said imageprocessing apparatus through the second network on a display of saidcommunication terminal; generating payment information as a part ofreorder data, the payment information being information concerning apayment method required for payment of a charge, in response to a resultof displaying the preview image; and supplying the reorder data to saidcharging and settlement apparatus through the second network.